Dawood Rawat Appoints Daughter Laina to Lead Legal Battle Over BAI 2015 Collapse

The former Chairman Emeritus of the defunct British-American Investment (BAI) group, Dawood Rawat, has formally designated his daughter, Laina Rawat, to represent him in a series of high-profile lawsuits linked to the 2015 “Operation Daylight Robbery.”

Appearing in person at the Supreme Court on Monday, 2 March, Mr Rawat confirmed he has sworn an affidavit reiterating that his daughter is mandated to act on his behalf across all judicial proceedings.

The move comes as a direct response to objections raised by defendants regarding Laina Rawat’s legal standing to represent her father.

Objections and Allegations

The Chief Justice, Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, was informed of the mandate by Mr Rawat’s legal representative, Me Shaan Kundomal.

The court heard that the defence—comprising PriceWaterhouseCoopers (International) Ltd, Brussels Worldwide Services, and Grant Thornton (International) Ltd—had challenged Laina Rawat’s authority to lead the litigation.

Laina Rawat expressed confusion over these objections, noting that two separate powers of attorney, the first dating back to 2018, legally authorise her to represent her father.

She confirmed her intention to maintain all current complaints.

The Scope of Litigation

The legal actions stem from the 2015 liquidation of the BAI group, which Mr Rawat alleges involved significant malpractice.

His claims extend beyond the global accounting firms to include senior political figures.

Among those named in separate complaints are:

• Pravind Jugnauth, former Prime Minister
• Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, former Finance Minister
• Roshi Bhadain, Reform Party leader and former Financial Services Minister
• Ramesh Basant Roi, former Governor of the Bank of Mauritius

Mr Rawat accuses these individuals of conspiracy, political vendetta, and “abusive expropriation” intended to cause him harm.

“Seeking Justice, Not Money”

Speaking to the press, Mr Rawat stated that he is currently facing a “blockage” from the government and state institutions, including the police and the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC).

“Dawood Rawat has not come to get money, but to obtain reparation and justice,” he affirmed.

In addition to the civil suits before the Supreme Court, Me Kundomal confirmed that a formal complaint has also been lodged with the FCC regarding various defendants.

Chief Justice Mungly-Gulbul has adjourned the matter until Monday, 16 March.

Source: Le Mauricien