Rs1.6 M Alleged Extortion: Sergeant Arnasala Arrested on Arrival

The Sergeant Paramasiven Arnasala, a 43-year-old former officer of the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit (DCIU) in the Northern Division, was apprehended this morning, 3rd March, as he disembarked from a flight at Plaisance Airport. His arrest was executed by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), who alleged that he, along with four of his fellow officers, extorted an astonishing Rs 1.6 million from local farmer Iqbal Ramchurn during a police raid in Fond-du-Sac in July 2024.

The sergeant is set to appear in court at Pamplemousses later today, 3rd March, having enlisted the legal services of attorneys Yash Bhadain and Rishi Bhoyroo.

This inquiry was rekindled by the FCC on 6th February, which led to the previous arrests of Sergeant Avinash Mahadeo, 37, and Constables Hutesh Seeboruth, 31, Nilesh Sooklall, 35, and Satiananda Annadurai Pillay Anamalay, 29.

Their charges stemmed from a crime that now speaks to the very core of public trust in law enforcement.

Remarkably, the day before these implicated officers were detained, Sergeant Arnasala had departed for India to attend to a family member in need of medical care.

Shortly after his getaway, an “arrest upon arrival” warrant was issued against him, demonstrating the seriousness of the allegations he is facing.

Additionally, the four other officers implicated in this disturbing case are currently facing preliminary charges of “public official using office for gratification.”

The unfolding matter highlighted the crucial need for accountability and integrity within the ranks of public service in Mauritius.

Source: Defi Media