Ex-BAI Group: Dawood Rawat Alleges Conspiracy, Demands Justice

In a heartfelt interview aired on Monday, January 27, by the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation, Dawood Rawat, the former Chairman Emeritus of the now-defunct BAI Group, provided a detailed account of the events that led to the group’s collapse in 2015. After nearly a decade in exile, Rawat returned to Mauritius on December 8, 2024, sharing his perspective on what he sees as an unjust episode in his life.

Rawat recounted the circumstances that forced him to stay away from Mauritius just after the downfall of his business empire.

“My family was much more afraid than I was. When the guillotine fell, my wife had confiscated my passport to prevent my return,” he said.

Despite the pain of exile, Rawat expressed deep emotions upon his return:

“The difference now is that I’m coming back to a country that has just been liberated. The welcome I received at the airport was incredible.”

However, Rawat did not shy away from alleging a conspiracy against him and his group.

“After the 2014 elections, I could almost immediately sense a storm brewing over the country.

Very quickly, actions were taken against my group, starting with the bank,” he asserted.

Rawat accused his detractors of spreading rumors and implementing systematic measures aimed at dismantling the BAI Group.

“Everyone knew me, yet not a single person warned me. They destroyed the group. I never believed my country could be capable of such actions,” he lamented.

Reflecting on his family’s historical contributions to Mauritius, he expressed bitterness over the treatment he has received.

“My great-grandfather, Major Atchia, and my grandfather, G.M.D. Atchia, made significant contributions to the development of the country.

My maternal grandfather even helped Dr. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam finish his medical studies in London,” Rawat shared.

He also noted his family’s involvement in the cultural sector, particularly through investments in cinema.

“In my group, there was no hierarchy of race or color. I wanted everyone to have an equal opportunity for employment and promotion. Competence was the key,” he emphasized.

According to Rawat, this meritocratic approach turned his group into a model but also drew hostility from certain economic and political sectors.

Allegations of a deliberate attempt to orchestrate the downfall of his group were voiced by Rawat.

“There was a collusion between various groups to attack us directly. Massive amounts were withdrawn from Bramer Bank, stocks were sold, and debts went unpaid. It was the ‘perfect storm’ coming from all sides,” he charged.

He strongly refuted claims that BAI operated as a Ponzi scheme.

“A Ponzi scheme has no assets, whereas we had a bank, a hospital, insurance companies, and many other assets,” he stated.

Rawat also spoke about the unsuccessful attempts to save the BAI Group, mentioning interest from foreign investors like Mutual of South Africa and MMI.

“I had all the solutions, but the goal was to destroy me,” he claimed.

Emphasizing the human impact of the events, Rawat recounted the hardships faced by his family.

“The treatment of my children and family was inhumane. We were literally left without resources.” he revealed.

Still, he found the strength to persist, driven by a quest for justice.

“I am not someone fueled by vengeance, but by the pursuit of justice. I will not leave here without having obtained justice,” he affirmed.

Looking towards the future, Rawat expressed hope for a resolution.

“I had a single conversation with the Prime Minister, and I am very hopeful that solutions will be found for my family, the clients, and the employees who were sacked,” he said.

For him, this battle transcends his individual experience.

“What has happened is terrible and inhumane, and it cannot be forgiven. My fight is to ensure that such a thing never happens again,” he concluded.

Watch interview on the following link: Dawood Rawat

Source: Defi Media