After mounting criticism over its handling of rape and threatening behaviour allegations against Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, the Guyana Police Force yesterday finally  announced that he had been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

The statement also  named Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). An earlier police statement confirming the investigation had omitted his name and did not say whether he had been removed from duty.

The Force said Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken had established an investigative team following receipt of the report. It also confirmed that the female police inspector who made the complaint had been transferred to Regional Police Division Four ‘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 statement said.

It added that due process would be afforded to all parties and further information provided as necessary.

The statement did not specify whether Karimbaksh was on administrative or vacation leave, when the leave took effect, or who would perform his duties. It also did not identify the investigators or provide a timetable for completing their work.

The announcement follows calls from women’s organisations, opposition figures and others for Karimbaksh to step aside and for an independent investigation.

Kiskadee Watch previously reported that repeated questions from journalists in the Joint Services WhatsApp group had gone unanswered before Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond publicly confirmed the complaint. The group includes the minister, Hicken and other senior police officials. 

Walrond subsequently disclosed on the Starting Point podcast that Hicken had appointed an investigative team. She also expressed strong support for Karimbaksh being sent on administrative leave, but referred to the absence of a constituted Police Service Commission and said she would discuss the matter with the commissioner. She said the complainant’s transfer had been made at her request. 

Former Police Service Commission chairman Paul Slowe had also called for Karimbaksh to proceed on leave in a Facebook post two days before Thursday’s announcement.

“What will it take for the government to act following the allegation of rape made against Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh?” Slowe asked.

 Red Thread’s Karen de Souza had questioned the independence of the internal investigative arrangements and called for the complainant to be protected from pressure. She also criticised Karimbaksh’s continued presence at work while the allegation was being investigated.