Assistant DPP, Me Roshan Santokhee Embroiled in Ethics Controversy

A controversy has erupted surrounding the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Me Roshan Santokhee, after photos emerged showing him attending a lunch event organized by the village council for seniors in Fond-du-Sac.

The event, which was deemed political in the electoral constituency of Grand-Baie/Poudre-d’Or, has raised ethical concerns.

The photos, which were published on social media and in the press, show Me Santokhee alongside two government ministers from the MSM party.

The event has been criticized for its perceived lack of neutrality, given Me Santokhee’s role as a representative of the DPP.

When contacted for a statement, Me Santokhee remained unresponsive. The DPP’s office, led by Me Rashid Ahmine, has forwarded a letter to the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) regarding the matter.

The JLSC is an independent body that oversees the conduct of public officials and has the power to discipline them.

The JLSC has received a complaint against Me Santokhee and is expected to issue a decision by the end of the week.

The commission has the power to issue warnings, reprimands, or even dismiss public officials in extreme cases. It can also establish a disciplinary committee to investigate more serious allegations.

Me Santokhee has a storied career, having previously served as Senior State Counsel and magistrate in the district court of Port-Louis.

He was also a returning officer in the 2020 village elections in Bel-Air-Rivière-Sèche. Most recently, he was one of the lead prosecutors in the case against businessman Bernard Maigrot.

The incident has sparked concerns about the perceived politicization of the DPP and its potential impact on the fair administration of justice.

Source: Defi Media