Fire at Anwar Toorabally's in 2000: Tensions Surrounding the Testimony of Former ASP Hector Tuyau

On Thursday, April 30, the trial for conspiracy against notary Vinay Deelchand and three executives continued before the Intermediate Court. In addition to Anwar Toorabally's testimony, an exchange between former Assistant Superintendent of Police Hector Tuyau and lawyer Jacques Panglose drew attention.

In this case, notary Vinay Deelchand and three business executives: Sandeep Appadoo, Mahendra Choonea, and Dharmanand Sambon, are facing charges of conspiracy. They are accused of agreeing to set fire to a building used as a residence by Anwar Toorabally in August 2000 on Sir Virgil Naz Street in Port Louis. They have pleaded not guilty.

Lawyer Jacques Panglose questioned former Assistant Superintendent Hector Tuyau about his connections with Antoine Chetty, considered a key witness in this case. The former high-ranking officer confirmed that his men had arrested Antoine Chetty in a drug-related case.

The exchange intensified when Panglose mentioned a personal gesture (gifts) from Hector Tuyau to Antoine Chetty's daughter. In response to this question, the witness replied, "it's possible," explaining that it was a "humanitarian gesture" as a bond had formed after several months of investigation and the child often visited the office.

However, former ASP Hector Tuyau pointed out that this episode "has nothing to do with the current case." He accused the lawyer of attempting to "cast doubt" on his integrity.

Clearly irritated, the former ASP added that if Panglose believed there was grounds for suspicion, "he could go file a complaint with the Financial Crimes Commission," rather than making insinuations about his alleged relationship with Antoine Chetty in court.

For his part, Anwar Toorabally explained that a dispute existed between him and Vinay Deelchand regarding a land transaction involving approximately 10 acres. He claimed that the notary altered the sale details — "made 3 acres become 3 hectares." He stated he confronted Vinay Deelchand in his office, to which Deelchand replied, "Don't worry, we will sort this out."

A few months later, alerted by a neighbor, he discovered a fire starting in his garage and smelled "kerosene odor" near his vehicle, a Toyota Hilux. He added that individuals were seen fleeing the scene. He later learned from former ASP Hector Tuyau that two people, including Antoine Chetty, had been arrested. A hearing in this matter is scheduled for May 28.