Dharamlall rape case: Police complete further probe, file returned to DPP

One week after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) asked the Guyana Police Force to conduct further investigations into the rape allegations against Minister of Local Government Nigel Dharamall, the file was Tuesday returned to her office.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted by the News Room.

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack will now review the further actions that the police took following her request for further investigation into the matter.

Importantly, the 16-year-old schoolgirl who accused the Minister of raping her has since requested that no further action be taken in the matter.

So, the DPP will also be tasked with examining the no further action statement the victim gave in the presence of her parents.

Thereafter, she will offer her advice on the course of action the police should take.

The case file, which was sent to the DPP on June 22, was returned to the Police on Wednesday last; the News Room understands that the DPP did not indicate any specific areas in the case that warrant further probe.

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

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.

Dharamlall was arrested on June 19 and subsequently released on $1 million station bail.

On Tuesday, the Office of the DPP, in a press statement, said that due legal attention is being given to the case file.

The DPP pointed out that all statements and evidence must be considered before legal advice is given on whether the politician should be charged with rape.

On Tuesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said any decision about the potential dismissal of Dharamlall will only be made once the independent investigation into the rape allegations is completed.