Dharamlall rape allegation: Jagdeo says Minister will face consequences if found guilty

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall has been accused of raping a 16-year-old girl and as investigations into the allegations continue, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said the government official will face the full consequences of his actions if found guilty.

The Vice President, during a live engagement on Wednesday, echoed President Irfaan Ali’s intolerance of any misconduct and supported the ongoing investigation into the matter.

And in clear terms, the Vice President said Dharamlall will face the full brunt of the law if found guilty.

“… if the minister is found guilty, he faces all the consequences associated with the charge,” Jagdeo said, noting that there will be no exceptions because Dharamlall is a government minister.

He added, “In the party I am from [the People’s Progressive Party Civic], we don’t take abuse of anyone lightly.”

Dharamlall was arrested on Monday and subsequently released on $1 million station bail as investigations continue. Additionally, the politician proceeded on administrative leave this week in light of the allegations that he raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl in December 2022.

The allegation, which first surfaced last week on social media, has sparked public outrage with calls for Dharamlall to resign.

Jagdeo, however, urged persons to desist from politicising the matter and instead, let the investigations unfold.