Allegations Against Maulana Azhar Peerbocus: Rs 1000 for a Child's Silence
Title: Allegations Against Maulana Azhar Peerbocus: Rs 1000 for a Child's Silence
Content: The police are investigating an "incriminating" audio recording.
Mufti Azhar Peerbocus left Mauritius on April 1, following a Precautionary Measure (PM) detailing allegations of abuse against him while serving as Acting Principal at the Twaha Academy Boarding School in Pont-Lardier, Bel-Air/Rivière-Sèche. He boarded flight SA 191 bound for South Africa.
Originally from the capital, the cleric faces serious accusations of mistreatment of students at the Islamic institution. According to investigators, he allegedly offered Rs 1,000 to one of his students to keep quiet. An audio recording of this conversation is circulating on social media and is the subject of a police investigation.
In the recording, Maulana Azhar Peerbocus reportedly instructs the student to lie about certain facts: "If they ask if Alyan slept in my room, say no," is heard in the tape. The cleric promises the child Rs 1,000 for compliance: "Even if you get hit, if they pressure you, you say no." These remarks are considered "incriminating" by the Central Barracks, which oversees the investigation conducted by the Bel-Air police.
So far, two complaints of abuse have been filed against the cleric. The police clarified that no sexual offenses have been reported.
A Precautionary Measure was submitted on March 31 by the management of the Twaha Academy, which disclaims any responsibility. On April 2, two students aged 14 and 15 filed complaints with the Family Protection Brigade (BPF), alleging assaults and mistreatment, with one claiming to have been forced to smoke a substance by the cleric.
Investigators are continuing their hearings and invite anyone with credible information to come forward. A specific aspect of the investigation is focused on the audio recording circulating on social media.
At the time of Azhar Peerbocus's departure, no official complaint had been recorded. The Central Barracks noted that the complaints were filed with the Eastern BPF the following day, April 1.
The two children are receiving psychological support, and the police are seeking to gather more similar testimonies. According to authorities, the cleric is currently in South Africa. If the investigation confirms the alleged offenses, he will be arrested upon his return to Mauritius. The police are also examining whether his departure was planned or done in haste after he learned of the allegations against him.
Excerpts from the conversation
The widely circulated audio recording reveals the cleric questioning a student: "Did you see me doing something wrong?" Azhar Peerbocus also criticizes one of the accusers: "He's the one spreading rumors." He encourages the child to arrive early at school and asks him to spend the night at his grandparents': "Why don’t you stay at your grandparents'?" The child responds that he is with relatives during a family outing.
The Jummah Mosque condemns any form of abuse
The Jummah Mosque calls for the establishment of clear and rigorous protective measures following the allegations of mistreatment against Mufti Azhar Peerbocus at the Twaha Academy in Bel-Air.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 6, the institution affirms its full commitment to promoting a safe and respectful environment for children. It firmly condemns any form of misconduct, abuse, or reprehensible act, regardless of the perpetrator's status.
The Jummah Mosque emphasizes its strict adherence to the laws of the country and underscores that these allegations must be addressed according to the applicable legal procedures. It also stresses the importance of allowing competent authorities to carry out their mission independently and rigorously.
Furthermore, the organization requests that all mosques, madrasas (Quranic schools), Dar Ul Uloom, and Jaamia in Mauritius and Rodrigues implement clear and rigorous protective measures. It particularly recommends systematic background checks for teachers, staff, and volunteers, that classroom arrangements be made in open and accessible spaces, and that a careful monitoring system for feedback and concerns be established.
Finally, the Jummah Mosque asserts that any form of abuse or harassment, whether physical, sexual, or emotional, is treated under a "zero tolerance" policy.
Osman Mahomed: "I firmly deny any intervention to make this cleric leave"
On social media, the departure of Mufti Azhar Peerbocus, who left the country on April 1 for South Africa, has been linked to Transport Minister Osman Mahomed. The latter denies any involvement. The video in question was posted by a user, and the minister assures that he immediately denied these allegations on the Facebook page of the post's author. In a statement to Défi Media, Osman Mahomed strongly rejects any intervention: "I firmly deny any involvement in any way to make this cleric leave."