Political Dynamics at Play: Sabapati Claims High-Level Targets in Police Conspiracy

On May 03, 2023, Vimen Sabapati’s life was dramatically altered when he was arrested under dubious circumstances, accused of trafficking ten kilograms of heroin with an estimated value of Rs 150 million. Following a shocking video of his arrest and the alleged discovery of drugs in the offices of the Special Striking Team (SST), Sabapati has made it clear he will not accept this situation without a fight.

In a recent radio broadcast, Sabapati announced his intention to file a formal complaint with the police on Friday, March 07, 2025, asserting that he was merely a pawn in a far more extensive conspiracy.

“They weren’t targeting me; they were aiming for Navin Ramgoolam (now Prime Minister), and lawyer Shakeel Mohamed (now Minister of Housing),” he alleged.

Sabapati revealed the depths of his shock at viewing the footage of his arrest:

“When I saw those images, I was left reeling. “I always maintained my innocence. I told them they hadn’t searched my car; they didn’t find drugs during the traffic stop,” he insisted.

He commended the bravery of the former police constable, Bandiny Mourandie-Goomanee, who filmed the incident, stating:

“I salute her courage and integrity… She clearly showed that there was ‘planting’ involved.

At one point, they created a diversion, took everything away, and then came back moments later with bags and claimed they had found drugs with me.” It was an egregious act by the entire team.

Now firmly resolved to seek justice, Sabapati expressed a renewed hope in the police force with recent changes in leadership.

“I’ve always been wary of the police because investigations were not conducted transparently.

But now, with a new commissioner and a new government, I plan to take action. If it weren’t for this video, the truth may have never come out.

Now, karma is catching up with them,” he warned.

Sabapati’s video

He also referenced the legal system, indicating that a copy of the video, which he believes could prove his innocence, was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on February 12, 2024.

A year after the events, new evidence has emerged, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of Sabapati’s arrest.

Mourandie-Goomanee, who had served as a member of the SST, lodged a complaint with the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) on 5th March, alleging irregularities during the operation on La Poudrière Street in Port Louis.

Her testimony revealed that while Sabapati was in the restroom, a police officer allegedly tampered with the water bottle given to him, sprinkling water on the bag that was supposedly filled with drugs.

This is not Mourandie-Goomanee’s first foray into whistleblowing.

On May 24, 2023, while still in service but sidelined from the SST, she had met with Sabapati to discuss the anomalies surrounding his arrest.

During that conversation, she mentioned a video that could potentially vindicate him, stating:

“This video could exonerate you completely… You need to understand, this video shows your innocence. They took the bags away and returned with them. There are many things that need to be examined. I want to provide you with this; my work is done, I don’t fear any repercussions, I want to help.”

In the light of these developments, it becomes evident that significant discrepancies exist within the official records pertaining to Sabapati’s arrest.

An entry in the SST’s Diary Book states that the drugs were discovered during the initial arrest; however, video evidence reportedly showed that the bag was not opened until after Sabapati had been transported to the SST headquarters.

As these troubling revelations continue to emerge, the implications extend far beyond Sabapati himself, hinting at possible misconduct within the ex-SST and the involvement of influential political figures.

Source: Defi Media / Defi Media1