Thirteen days ago, following mounting criticism over its handling of rape and threatening behaviour allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit, Fazil Karimbaksh, the Guyana Police Force finally announced that he had been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
The Force said Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken had established an investigative team following receipt of the report.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures,” the statement said. It added that due process would be afforded to all parties and further information provided as necessary.
The announcement that Mr Karimbaksh had been sent on leave had been preceded by the embarrassment that the Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond found herself in when she mentioned the word “confrontation” in relation to the investigation that was to take place. In the context of modern-day sexual offences law there is to be no “confrontation” between the virtual complainant and the accused unless the complainant desires one.
The embarrassment did not end there. The Police Commissioner was forced to withdraw an October 7th letter granting Mr Karimbaksh leave after Mr Karimbaksh’s lawyer complained. In his letter of October 12, Mr Hicken wrote: “I hereby rescind and withdraw my previous letter by which leave was granted to you with immediate effect.”
He said the decision followed further consideration of the constitutional and legal framework governing authority over the office of Deputy Commissioner, including the respective powers of the President, the Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police.
“Accordingly, the said letter shall cease to have effect, and any further action concerning the grant of leave shall be undertaken by the appropriate authority in accordance with the Constitution and applicable law,” Mr Hicken stated. It was again another sign of the incompetence and bumbling ways of the police force. Weren’t Mr Hicken and his advisors fully aware of the framework governing the investigation of a complaint against a Deputy Commissioner?
All of that aside, what is happening with the investigation? Who are the investigators? Are they of the rank required for this investigation? Is Mr Karimbaksh currently serving normally in his office despite the grave allegations made against him? Why hasn’t a decision on the investigation been made as yet?
Surely by now the police would have dispatched a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice and that office would then have had to work diligently in advising the police on this matter.
In the eyes of independent-minded persons, the Guyana Police Force has little credibility. Corruption continues to be a problem and the force seems very reluctant to bring a charge against their own and in this case a senior policeman who faces serious allegations.
The police must now state clearly the status of the investigation into Mr Karimbaksh, why it has taken so long and whether the state has provided the complainant with all of the help she requires.
Discussion