Dharamlall rape allegation: File hand-delivered to DPP

The case file in relation to the rape allegation against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall has been hand-delivered to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The News Room was reliably informed that the file was delivered at around 09:36 hrs on Thursday.

The DPP is now tasked with reviewing the file and providing legal advice which will determine whether the politician should be charged with rape.

Dharamlall was arrested on Monday and subsequently released on $1 million station bail as investigations continue.

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.

During an interview live streamed on Wednesday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Dharamlall will face the full consequences of his actions 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.”

The Vice President echoed President Irfaan Ali’s intolerance of any misconduct and supported the ongoing investigation into the matter.