Possible Abrogation of Commissioner Dip’s Contract Under Consideration

The resignation of Sooroojdev Phokeer as speaker and his subsequent replacement by Adrien Duval seems to be a key condition set by the Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD) for forming an increasingly evident alliance with the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM).

Political observers are keen to discover what other conditions the PMSD might have imposed to facilitate this rapprochement.

One possibility is the abrogation of the current police commissioner Anil Kumar Dip’s contract.

Two potential successors are being mentioned: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Choolun Bhojoo and DCP Krishna Jhugroo.

It has been suggested that Anil Kumar Dip could be offered the position of Commissioner of Prisons as a consolation prize.

Within the police force, there are significant reactions regarding the anticipated departure of the police commissioner.

Many officers believed that Anil Kumar Dip is likely to leave his position by the end of August.

This speculation has caught many of his colleagues off guard and has raised concerns throughout the police hierarchy.

If his contract, which is set to expire next year, is terminated, questions arise about his replacement.

The leading candidates for the position are believed to be DCP Choolun Bhojoo and DCP Krishna Jhugroo, who both have a favorable reputation with the Prime Minister.

The hierarchy of the Mauritius Police Force is structured as follows: constable, corporal, sergeant, cadet officer, inspector, chief inspector, deputy assistant superintendent of police, assistant superintendent of police (ASP), superintendent of police (SP), assistant commissioner of police (ACP), deputy commissioner of police (DCP), and commissioner of police (CP).

DCP Jhugroo, with over 30 years of experience, currently oversees administrative affairs within the police and played a critical role in managing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing himself as a capable leader during that crisis.

DCP Bhojoo, who has been in the police force for over 40 years, is also viewed as a strong contender for the commissioner position due to his seniority.

Regarding the role of Commissioner of Prisons, l’Express’ sources indicate that Anil Kumar Dip, who is 64, may be offered this position as a form of consolation.

Currently, DCP Jagadisen Rungadoo serves as the acting Commissioner of Prisons and is preparing to resign.

With 43 years of experience in the prison administration, Rungadoo has seen his contract renewed on a monthly basis.

He took charge of the administration after Mario Nobin’s departure in December 2020 and has implemented various changes to improve practices within the prison system.

Anil Kumar Dip is currently facing serious allegations related to the improper use of police vehicles, including a Porsche Macan, a Range Rover Velar, and a BMW X6 M.

These allegations were raised in an anonymous whistleblower letter submitted to government authorities.

In response, Labour Party MP Farhad Aumeer has filed a parliamentary question seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the use of these vehicles.

As a result of these allegations, the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) has initiated a preliminary investigation.

Authorities have pledged to handle this matter with utmost rigor to ensure transparency. According to Section 57 (2) of the Financial Crime Commission Act 2023, the director of investigations is responsible for either continuing or discontinuing the inquiry and must submit a report within 30 days, which would be by July 25.

The legislation states: “The Director of the Investigation Division or of the Asset Recovery and Management Division shall, within 30 working days of a referral… report to the Commission on the matter.”

Furthermore, subsection (3) specifies that the Commission must determine whether to continue the investigation or discontinue it upon receiving the report.

As 30 days have passed without any update, questions arise regarding the progress of the investigation. Have all necessary elements been considered?

Have the Intend Forms been analyzed, and has CCTV footage from gas stations been reviewed?

Were traffic intelligence system cameras on the route examined? Numerous inquiries remain unanswered.

When contacted, the FCC declined to comment under the pretext that “ongoing investigations are governed by Section 161 concerning confidentiality, and the Commission will communicate when conditions permit.”

Nonetheless, the outcome of this investigation could significantly impact public trust in institutions and political leaders.

Additionally, L’Express reached out to the Police Press Office to inquire whether the police commissioner would indeed be departing at the end of August, but we are still awaiting a response. The primary individual involved has also not replied to our inquiries.

Source: l’Express