-as extradition hearing continues
Defence attorney Siand Dhurjon yesterday sought to question Senior Superintendent of Police Prem Narine about his alleged role in the surveillance of businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his family, as extradition proceedings against Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, continued before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman.
During cross-examination, Dhurjon told the court that the defence was seeking to establish that Narine had conducted surveillance on Azruddin Mohamed and his family for an extended period.
Dhurjon alleged that Narine had been actively surveilling the Mohameds for more than a year and was leading an investigation involving Azruddin Mohamed. He further alleged that the officer was involved in an attempt to fabricate evidence in a separate murder matter.
According to Dhurjon, the defence wanted to determine Narine’s role in the arrests of the Mohameds on October 31, 2025, particularly given that Narine’s position as an intelligence officer differed from that of an officer whose primary function is to effect arrests.
The issue prompted an exchange with the Chief Magistrate after Dhurjon questioned Narine about his role and portfolio.
The Magistrate said that she would not permit the question, explaining that she was not interested in Narine’s active role.
Dhurjon questioned the decision, after which the matter moved on.
Later during his return to the stand, Narine stated that he felt threatened and was concerned about his family’s safety, referring to posts that had been made online.
The Chief Magistrate questioned why Narine paid attention to the posts.
Narine then described the Mohameds as dangerous people and said he knew what they were “capable of.”
Both Dhurjon and fellow defence attorney Roysdale Forde SC requested that Narine’s statements concerning his fears for his family and his characterization of the Mohameds be placed on the record.
The development came as Dhurjon continued questioning Narine about his involvement in the October 31, 2025 arrests, police records and the role of another officer who accompanied him during the operation.
Narine had earlier testified that he personally effected the arrests of Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed. He also acknowledged that another officer was with him for most of the operation, but said he could not speak to what that officer did.
Dhurjon further questioned Narine about records relating to the operation. Narine said he did not make an entry concerning the arrests and identified the other officer as the person who did.
Narine is to return for further cross-examination when the extradition committal proceedings resume before the Chief Magistrate on Monday.
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