Safe Box Case: Key Takeaways from Inspector Ramdoo's Hearing
This Monday morning, in front of the Financial Crimes Division of the Intermediate Court, Inspector Ramdoo, formerly with the CCID and currently stationed at police HQ, was called to testify in the case brought against the Prime Minister related to the safe box affair.
Me Robin Ramburn, one of the lawyers representing Navin Ramgoolam, cross-examined him regarding public statements made by former Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth during the 2014 election campaign about a potential arrest of the Labour Party leader.
The lawyer also inquired about the electoral manifesto of the Lepep alliance and whether the police had investigated these matters.
The hearing was part of a motion for abuse of process filed by the defense, which was primarily based on allegations of executive misconduct and political vendetta.
When questioned by Me Nataraj Muneesamy, representing the prosecution, Inspector Ramdoo presented a sworn affidavit dated March 26, 2015, to explain the delays in the investigation. He noted that the investigation began on February 6, 2015, following a search at Navin Ramgoolam's residence in Vacoas.
Other topics addressed included the testimony of Rakesh Gooljaury on January 11 at the central barracks. The defense questioned the privileges he had received, considering he admitted to lying to the police in the Roches-Noires case and had not been arrested, unlike former DCPs Sooroojbally and Jokhoo, who denied any involvement but were detained.
Regarding leaks to the press, particularly the broadcast on national television of images of cash boxes, Inspector Ramdoo acknowledged having seen them but clarified that no internal investigation had been initiated regarding these disclosures.
Finally, concerning the role of an informant who initiated the investigation, the witness admitted that he had not recorded the details of their meeting in the police Diary Book.
Watch the attached video for Me Robin Ramburn's statement following the hearing this afternoon.
Shehzad Jaddoo