Ex-Police Commissioner Dip Spent Rs 14 Million+ on Legal Fees

During a recent parliamentary session, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam addressed inquiries from Govinden Venkatasami regarding substantial legal fees incurred by the police commissioner’s office. According to Ramgoolam, between August 2021 and November 2024, former police commissioner Anil Kumar Dip engaged the services of five lawyers and one legal adviser for a total of eight cases, with legal fees amounting to Rs 14,288,825.30.

Among those hired, attorney Ammar Oozeer received Rs 34,500, while senior counsel Désiré Basset was compensated Rs 2,991,437.50.

Additionally, Yashley Reesaul earned Rs 86,250, and Ravi Yerrigadoo was paid Rs 603,750.

The legal adviser Shamila Sonah-Ori was paid a significant Rs 4,330,000 for her services.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Ramgoolam revealed that Anil Kumar Dip sought the expertise of a King’s Counsel, which resulted in fees totaling Rs 5,521,447.56.

The government also covered the costs of the King’s Counsel’s airfare and accommodation, amounting to Rs 721,440.25.

In a bid to clarify the government’s approach, the Prime Minister stated that under his administration, when foreign experts are contracted for their expertise, they would stay in government bungalows to minimize expenses.

He also noted that prior to 2015, legal representation for the police was provided free of charge by the Attorney General’s office or the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office.

Source: l’Express