Lawyer and partner arrested in drug raid, to be detained overnight

Politically-exposed lawyer Akil Bissessur and his partner, Doomila Moheeputh, were arrested on Friday evening for alleged traffic of synthetic drug.

According to reports, some 50 grams of the illicit product was seized during an operation by the Special Striking Team, led by the assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Ashik Jagai, in Palma, Quatre-Bornes.

At the time of the operation, Me Bissessur, known for his staunch hostility towards the MSM regime, made a Facebook Live. In the broadcast that reportedly lasted 1 minute 18 seconds, he claimed on several occasions that “police are attacking me, they are destroying everything.”

The video showed window panes had been smashed with rocks. The incident was seen by tens of thousands.

Police have objected to the release of the couple – they will spend this Saturday evening in police cell.

They are expected to appear again before the Bail and Remand Court on Sunday over their bail motions.

Meanwhile, police have also arrested social activist, Dominique Seedeeal, also known as Darren L’activiste.

The latter is accused of “disseminating false news” – for claiming on a separate Facebook live that the team of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ashik Jagai of the Special Striking Team, had allegedly framed lawyer Akil Bissessur and his partner by “planting” the drugs in the house. 

Social activist Bruneau Laurette also said the arrest and the discovery of drugs was suspicious. “It looks more like a warning to political dissidents and the public.”

With inputs from Le Mauricien, l’Express, Defi Media