Guyana Deputy Police Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh placed on leave over rape allegations

The Guyana Police Force has placed Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh on leave pending a rape and threatening behaviour investigation.

Guyana's second-highest police officer suspended amid rape and threatening behaviour probe

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh has been placed on leave while an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against him is conducted, guardian.co.tt reports.

Commissioner of Police Dr. Clifton Hicken established a dedicated team to carry out a thorough inquiry following receipt of the complaint. The complainant, a female Police Inspector, has been transferred from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) — which Karimbaksh also heads — to Regional Police Division 4 'A'.

"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 GPF stated.

The force added that due process would be afforded to all parties and that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

Last week, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said she intended to meet with the Commissioner of Police to address the matter. Walrond noted that the Police Service Commission (PSC) would ordinarily handle such a case, but that the body is not currently constituted.

"I would assume that it's a discussion we need to have between the commissioner and myself on how we address that," Walrond said. She added that it was her firm view that Karimbaksh "should be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation."

Source: Google News GY — Crime