Dharamlall rape allegation: Decisions will be made once independent investigation is completed- President

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Tuesday said any decision about the potential dismissal of Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall will only be made once the independent investigation into the rape allegations levelled against Dharamlall is completed.

“I don’t want to assume any decisions now… let the system work and at the end of the system’s job, then we will make decisions going forward,” President Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Tuesday.

The Head of State emphasised multiple times that he doesn’t want to speculate on the outcome of the investigation. He, however, assured the public that he will abide by whatever decisions are made by the local authorities.

Dr. Ali also reiterated his zero tolerance for any violations of people’s rights.

Dharamlall was arrested last week Monday and subsequently released on $1 million station bail as investigations continue. Additionally, the politician proceeded on administrative leave on June 18 in light of the allegations that he raped a 16-year-old schoolgirl in December 2022.

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

The case file in relation to the rape allegation against the minister was last week hand-delivered to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP is now tasked with reviewing the file and providing legal advice which will determine whether the politician should be charged with rape.