[Palmar] Noise complaint escalates into clashes with police: ten people arrested

On Sunday, January 25, incidents at Palmar's public beach led to police intervention followed by a large-scale investigation that resulted in the arrest of ten individuals. The Eastern Division's Criminal Investigation Division (CID), supported by several units, was mobilized shortly after a noise complaint was reported.

The events occurred around 6:30 PM when police were alerted about music playing at excessive volume from vehicles parked on the beach. Officers arrived on the scene and quickly identified a car equipped with multiple speakers. During their checks, conflicting statements were collected regarding the ownership of the vehicle in question.

However, the intervention escalated into clashes between some individuals present and the police. According to the investigation, officers were confronted, and service vehicles were damaged. Video footage reviewed by investigators shows people throwing sand and empty bottles at officers, as well as an individual deflating a police car tire, whose identity is still under investigation.

In light of the situation, law enforcement retreated to prevent further escalation before launching targeted operations. Nine suspects were initially arrested and appeared in Flacq court on Tuesday, January 27. Eight of them face provisional charges of rebellion, while a ninth has been charged with Rogue and Vagabond and was released on bail. Several suspects admitted to being present at the scene and, for some, to participating in the incidents. One admitted to snatching a police officer's mobile phone.

Among those arrested were several residents from the East, aged between 19 and 34, including a member of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU). This individual was questioned by investigators and allowed to leave after the interview, as no incriminating evidence was retained at this stage.

A tenth suspect, a 22-year-old resident of Fond-du-Sac, was later arrested for rebellion, illustrating the ongoing investigation. Investigators also found that an individual falsely presented himself as a police officer during the exchanges on the beach. Arrested on Monday, he admitted to impersonating this authority.

Judicial proceedings are underway. The defense of Akshaye Keerpah, 25, one of the suspects held in custody, challenged the police's objection to his release. Additionally, a complaint for alleged police brutality is mentioned by his lawyer to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

These events occur against a backdrop of increased vigilance by authorities regarding noise disturbances, particularly on beaches. The Ministry of Environment reminded that such complaints constitute a significant portion of recorded reports, justifying enhanced police presence and rapid interventions to maintain public order.