Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was highlighting alleged misuse of state resources outside Special Branch Head Prem Narine’s residence when the confrontation leading to his arrest occurred, his sister Hadiyyah Mohamed said yesterday as relatives and supporters protested for his release outside the Kitty Police Station.
Speaking to Kiskadee Watch at a protest outside the Kitty Police Station, Hadiyyah questioned the deployment of police officers around Narine’s residence and called for the release of her brother and two members of his staff.
Mohamed, Mario Mohamed and driver Eugene Thorne remain in custody. Family members and supporters gathered outside the station were demanding their immediate release. Late last night it was reported that the Thorne and Mario Mohamed were removed and taken to separate police stations while the Opposition Leader remained at the Kitty Police Station.
Hadiyyah said her brother had been drawing attention to alleged corruption involving Narine and had not entered the officer’s property.
She maintained that he was carrying out his responsibilities as Opposition Leader by questioning the use of public resources, contrasting the police presence around Narine’s home with other public safety needs.
According to her account, Narine spotted Mohamed and pursued his vehicle at high speed. She said Mohamed and his staff, who were unarmed and without security, fled before Narine and three masked men surrounded their car.
Hadiyyah alleged that several shots were fired, leaving bullet holes in the sides and roof of the vehicle. She further alleged that the occupants were pulled out, beaten, handcuffed and forced to the ground.
She accused an officer of stepping on Mario Mohamed’s neck and alleged that Narine pointed a firearm at the Opposition Leader.
Her account differs sharply from the police statement issued hours after the incident. by
Police said Narine was at his Barr Street, Kitty residence at approximately 11.45 pm when a black Toyota Allion, registration PXX 5300, passed slowly and returned shortly afterwards. According to the force, Narine heard what appeared to be a gunshot on the second approach, took cover and fired several rounds from his service weapon towards the vehicle.
The car was subsequently intercepted at Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street. Police said a search conducted in the occupants’ presence uncovered a .32 Taurus pistol without a serial number and three live rounds. Another of Mohamed’s sisters, Hana Khamelia, alleged in an earlier Facebook post that the weapon had been planted after previous searches found nothing.
Hadiyyah said the family was still awaiting clarity on whether charges would be laid and when the men might be released.
She also questioned why Mohamed had missed a court appearance scheduled for yesterday morning, saying his clothes had been delivered and his lawyer was at the station to accompany him.
“There’s no reason for why he missed it,” she said, adding that the family had received no explanation.
Hadiyyah raised concerns about conditions in the holding cell, saying Mohamed had asked police for cardboard boxes on which the men could lie. The family subsequently bought boxes for them, she said.
Narine is one of the main witnesses in the extradition proceedings involving Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed. He had previously told the court that he considered the Opposition Leader a threat to society and national security.
The police statement issued yesterday morning said the three men were being investigated in connection with the alleged discharge of a loaded firearm with intent and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. It did not announce charges or address the allegations of assault, threats or the planting of the weapon.
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