Curfew Breaker Ramdin Slapped with Guilty Verdict: No Gas Excuse

Gawtam Ramdin has been found guilty of violating the curfew during lockdown in Port-Louis.

Despite his explanation that he went out to get his car repaired or buy a gas cylinder, he failed to justify his presence on the public road.

The incident occurred on April 23, 2020, when the accused’s vehicle was stopped by Sergeant Bothe. When questioned, Ramdin admitted to neither having a work access permit nor a medical emergency, claiming that he was going to fix his car.

Woman Police Constable Beekharry confirmed that Ramdin accepted the ticket.

The court established that the accused was on the public road during the curfew at 7:40 PM. Considering the testimonies, the magistrate argued that going outside for essential supplies, such as restocking or fetching a gas cylinder for the kitchen, is valid.

However, the officer could not confirm if the gas cylinder in Ramdin’s car was empty.

With no prosecution witnesses able to confirm the purpose of Ramdin’s outing and no evidence from the defense, the burden of proof was not satisfied.

Consequently, the magistrate rendered a guilty verdict against Gawtam Ramdin.

Source: l’Express