Dharamlall rape allegation: Gov’t strictly adhering to Sexual Offences law – Jagdeo

As authorities await the outcome of an investigation into rape allegations levelled against Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamall, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated that the government has been strictly adhering to the 2010 Sexual Offences Act.

“We’ve allowed the process outlined by law, the 2010 Act that we passed when I was President…we’ve allowed that process to be followed strictly to the letter of the law.

“We have not attempted to politicise the matter,” Dr. Jagdeo said on Thursday during a press conference held at the Office of the President.

Even as he says that the government is doing all that it can by adhering to the law, Jagdeo reminded reporters that Dharamlall is on administrative leave.

He also reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for any misconduct. If Dharamlall is found guilty, Jagdeo said he will face full repercussions of his actions.

The Vice President, however, opined that several groups, including the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), have been politicising the matter instead of allowing established processes to unfold.

“By APNU making this a political issue, they may have even influenced people’s opinions on the matter when people were dealing with the issue purely on its merit,” the Vice President said.

He added that some Non-Governmental Organisations also appear to politicise the matter and expressed his dismay that those bodies too, are not seemingly allowing the legal processes to unfold.

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 case file in relation to the rape allegation was hand-delivered to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) 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.