Suitcase Scandal: Troubling Photos Emerge, Linking Jugnauth & Deelawon

A series of photographs has ignited a controversy, challenging the statements of former Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and raising questions about his association with businessman Josian Deelawon. The above picture captures the former Prime Minister seated with Sanjiv Ramdanee to his right, and Josian Deelawon to his left. Further images, surfacing on social media and messaging apps, appear to directly contradict claims of only a casual acquaintance between the two men.

The leaked photographs are showing Jugnauth in close proximity to Deelawon and his brother-in-law, Sanjiv Ramdanee.

One particularly striking image captures the former Prime Minister seated at a table with Ramdanee to his right and Deelawon to his left.

The scenes, captured in the vibrant restaurant-bars of Grand-Baie, paint a picture at odds with the accounts given by those involved.

Deelawon has asserted a long-standing friendship with the former Prime Minister.

Yet, Jugnauth has vehemently refuted this, insisting their interactions were limited to fleeting social encounters.

Two of the most significant photos were taken at Alchemy, a popular bar-restaurant established three decades ago on Rue La Salette.

The establishment, which is just a stone’s throw from the public beach and the Grand-Baie Coeur de Ville shopping centre, has been owned by Deelawon for some years.

One image showed Jugnauth posing with Deelawon and members of the restaurant staff.

The other, more revealing picture, shows the former Prime Minister seated at a table, next to Deelawon and Ramdanee.

Defi Media sources suggested these pictures were taken during the recent festive period.

Experts consulted by Le Défi Quotidien, combined with analysis from fotoforensics.com – a tool used to verify image integrity – indicated that the photographs are likely unedited and have not been tampered with.

A third photograph, sourced from Sanjiv Ramdanee’s Instagram page, offered further insight.

It shows, from left to right, Ramdanee, Shyam Bhunjun of the Gold Group of Hotels, Zouberr Joomaye (a former advisor to Jugnauth), Deelawon, and businessman Clément Lam, all enjoying cigars and wine.

The photograph was taken at N’Joy, an upscale restaurant-bar in La Cuvette, Grand-Baie.

The stakes are particularly high following testimony given to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC).

Deelawon reportedly stated that he and Jugnauth are long-time friends and that they met on multiple occasions.

Regarding the matter of alleged money-filled suitcases, Deelawon testified of a dinner with the former head of government at the Maradiva hotel in Wolmar on November 21, 2024.

During this alleged meeting, Deelawon claimed Jugnauth stated he would send a woman with suitcases to be kept in a secure location.

However, Jugnauth, during his FCC interrogation, refuted the claim of a meeting at Maradiva on November 21, 2024.

Jugnauth also denied being a long-time friend of Deelawon and dismissed any conversation about suitcases filled with money.

He maintained that he only knew Deelawon from casual social encounters, encounters he claimed he experienced with “thousands of people” due to his position.

The current investigation is shrouded in an official silence.

When approached for comment and asked to confirm or deny the authenticity of the photographs, a Defi Media source within the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), the party led by Jugnauth, stated:

“We will not be making any comment at this time, as the investigation is ongoing, and the matter of the photographs will likely be addressed during that process.”

As the investigation continues, these pictures provide a compelling new dimension to the case.

Source: Defi Media