The final blow fell this afternoon, Monday, May 30. Three of the seven police officers, including a police sergeant, who were assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) of Terre-Rouge, were arrested by investigators from the Central Criminal Investigation department (CCID). Earlier, these officers, who were still assigned to Terre Rouge’s CID, were informed of their transfers effective as from Tuesday morning, May 31. This was in the wake of the of a video on social networks since Saturday, May 28, showing the participation of police officers in a torture session on a detainee. This most shocking case, which dates back three years, has provoked a feeling of revolt throughout the country towards these police officers, who were supposed to operate within a legal framework. To reassure the population and building police confidence, the Police Commissioner, Anil Kumar Dip, was quick to issue directives for sanctions to be taken against those involved, which is also a way to “damage control”.
These seven policemen, including a police sergeant, are allegedly accused of participating in a torture session on a detainee to obtain a confession. The sergeant and two policemen were transferred to the Special Mobile Forces (SMF) and four other policemen were transferred to the Special Supporting Unit (SSU). These transfers take effect from this Tuesday morning, May 31 for those who have not been arrested. This case, which dates back to 2019, came to light on Saturday, May 28, when a video was posted on social networks showing a detainee being tortured at the hands of these police officers.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, May 29, Jean Christopher Jessy Pierre Louis, 31 years old and resident of Goodlands, went to the police station in his village to make a statement. He explained that three years ago, he had been arrested by a CID team from Terre-Rouge on a charge of theft. He says he was tortured for hours in the Terre-Rouge CID office. He was told to remove all his clothes, where a police inspector, in charge of this CID team, repeatedly tortured him with a taser on his private parts and forced him to confess. To avoid further torture, he had no choice but to sign his confession. The next day, he was brought to Court where his trial was heard. He was then fined Rs 10,000. On the evening of Saturday, May 28, Christopher Pierre Louis said he had seen this video on social networks and was able to identify the police inspector, who had tortured him with a taser. The CCID has started enquiring into this case after Christopher Pierre Louis went to the Central Barracks to give his statement.
This police inspector is currently suspended from his duties for a case of bribery, and he had been arrested on Friday, August 20, 2021, by investigators of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He under surveillance by these investigators for three years. To recall, the inspector had solicited a sum of Rs 100,000 from two suspects to hush up a case of assault on a shopkeeper and had already received Rs 25,000.
The Commissioner of police announces an investigation
Anil Kumar Dip reacted to the videos of alleged torture by police officers on a suspect and said that the investigation initiated will be independent and impartial. “The culprits will have to take responsibility,” he said. Anil Kumar Dip also acknowledged that the case “is disturbing.” He said he will not tolerate any abuse. However, he appealed to whoever made the videos and posted them to come and meet him with evidence. Anil Kumar Dip wondered why it is only now that the videos have been circulated.
“I already have five names,” says Bruneau Laurette
The social worker and leader of Linion Pep Morisien says he has already identified five police officers in the various videos of alleged torture that have circulated on social networks. Bruneau Laurette had accompanied Christopher Pierre Louis, one of the suspects, who can be seen on the videos being tortured.
Bar Council calls for commission of inquiry
The Bar Council, said its president, Yatin Varma, has decided to take a more proactive role in helping the administration of justice. Thus, its members met in a special session on Monday to discuss the videos circulating on social networks, in which handcuffed suspects are seen being tortured. Yatin Varma explained that the Bar Council unreservedly condemns any case of police brutality but will also make recommendations. One of the most important of these is the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into police brutality in Mauritius. Yatin Varma argues that this Commission of Inquiry should be chaired by a former Commonwealth Judge. The body should not focus on these three cases alone but should allow other victims to come forward.
Xavier-Luc Duval, Leader of the Opposition: The descent into hell
It is impossible to watch these horrible videos without a feeling of deep disgust and revolt when those who are supposed to protect the citizens become the worst torturers.
Impossible to believe that their superiors were unaware of these unacceptable practices.
Impossible to think that for 3 years already, these videos have been known by the police chiefs, without any action.
Many heads must roll, and quickly.
