Karimbaksh should be placed on leave pending independent investigation over sexual assault claims – Min. Walrond

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has finally broken her silence on sexual assault and rape allegations made against the Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fizal Karimbaksh. These claims were made by a serving member of the Guyana Police Force.

Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, Minister Walrond said that, in her opinion, Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh should be placed on leave while a full and independent investigation takes place. “It is my opinion, and I feel strongly about it, that he should be put on leave until the investigation is done.”

However, she said that the Police Service Commission (PSC), which is responsible for taking action against senior police officers, has not yet been reformed. That body reportedly expired in July last.

She pointed out that the Government is in charge of reconstituting the Commission and said that the lack of a working Commission makes it difficult to know what steps to take against a senior officer.

The Minister said she plans to have a conversation with Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken on a way forward. “The Police Service Commission should be the one to handle this unless it is not currently formed. I think we need to have a conversation with the Commissioner and me about how we move,” she said.

She pointed out that the police officer who made the claims has asked to be moved from SOCU, where she worked. She has now been transferred to a unit in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). According to the Minister, a statement has already been taken from the alleged victim. The investigation will also include statements from people involved, including Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh.

A team has been established by the Police Commissioner to handle the probe. “The investigation will include getting statements from others that they think should be interviewed, as well as a statement from the accused officer, Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh, and having a formal meeting,” she explained.

The Minister added, because Karimbaksh is an officer, certain steps must be followed. She said that once the investigation is finished, the team will decide whether to recommend criminal action based on the evidence.

Walrond called the claims serious and stated that the investigation should proceed without interference or early judgment. She also believes in the skills and professionalism of the group doing the investigation. She also said that the process must follow the rules. “Let the evidence lead the way. Let the law do its job,” she said.