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Sabapati’s Arrest Case: Ex-Police Officer Opposes Investigation Transfer to IPCC
Amid a gripping saga that has captured public attention, the former police officer who raised concerns about alleged misconduct in Vimen Sabapati’s arrest has staunchly opposed the transfer of the investigation to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). This case, involving the discovery of ten kilograms of heroin in Sabapati’s vehicle, has sparked a contentious debate regarding the actions of law enforcement during the operation.
Me Rouben Mooroongapillay, the lawyer representing the ex-officer, has urged the Central Criminal Investigation Department (CCID) to reconsider its plan to forward the case to the IPCC.
He asserted that the serious nature of the allegations necessitated a more appropriate response.
“The IPCC is not the right venue for this investigation,” Mooroongapillay contended, pointing out that the allegations involve serious criminal offences that could unveil additional infractions as the inquiry progresses.
He emphasized that the IPCC lacks the authority to make arrests.
This legal dispute intensified following a significant operation on May 3, 2023, when police, under the direction of Superintendent Ashik Jagai, apprehended Muay Thai instructor Vimen Sabapati in his 4×4 at La Poudrière, Port-Louis.
Mooroongapillay has compared Sabapati’s situation to other cases involving police misconduct, questioning:
“If a police officer is implicated in a murder, do we send the case to the IPCC? The answer is no.”
He maintained that the severity of the allegations against the police must be handled through the correct legal channels rather than by an oversight body that lacks arrest powers.
He stated, “I appeal to the CCID Commissioner not to hand over this case to the IPCC. The police can also consult the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
The situation escalated on March 5, when the former officer officially submitted a complaint to the CCID, detailing her concerns about potential misconduct during the SST operation, including inconsistencies in the Diary Book and the contents of Sabapati’s bag.
In defending the police operation, a former leader of the now-disbanded Special Striking Team argued that should an investigation occur, it should be adjudicated in court rather than subjected to public opinion or social media scrutiny.
“This case is not for TikTok, Facebook, or the press. It’s a matter for a court and a judge to decide,” he asserted in remarks to Défi Quotidien.
Source: Defi Media
