A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is demanding that Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh be placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation is conducted into serious allegations made by a serving female Police Inspector.
The demand was made Friday, October 2, at APNU’s press conference, where the partnership raised concerns about allegations that Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), sexually assaulted the Inspector on more than one occasion, threatened her life and, during one alleged incident, pointed a firearm at her.
The Inspector has reportedly provided a sworn statement concerning the allegations, while senior police officials have confirmed that an official complaint was made. The allegations have not been tested in court, and Karimbaksh remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The Guyana Police Force on Friday confirmed that Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken had established a team to investigate the allegations and said the matter would be handled professionally and impartially.
However, APNU said the seriousness of the allegations makes it inappropriate for Karimbaksh to remain in an operational command position while the investigation is underway.
“A senior police officer who exercises substantial authority over investigators, subordinate ranks, sensitive information, and law-enforcement resources should not remain in an operational command position while allegations of this gravity are leveled against him and are being investigated. He must be sent on administrative leave while there is a full, impartial, and independent investigation.”
The partnership said administrative leave should not be regarded as a finding of guilt, but as a precaution designed to protect the integrity of the investigation, prevent actual or perceived interference, safeguard the complainant and potential witnesses, and preserve evidence.
APNU’s position comes as Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has also publicly said she believes Karimbaksh should be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. Walrond said the Police Service Commission would ordinarily have a role in such a decision but is not currently constituted. She said the matter would therefore have to be addressed between herself and Police Commissioner Hicken.
Walrond also confirmed that the female Inspector had provided a statement and had subsequently been transferred from SOCU at her request. She said investigators would take statements from relevant persons, including Karimbaksh.
APNU also pointed to previously reported allegations involving the Deputy Commissioner. The party recalled that in 2021, former Police Service Commission member Clinton Conway publicly stated that an investigation into separate sexual-harassment complaints by female recruits had resulted in a recommendation for disciplinary charges against Karimbaksh.
APNU stressed that those matters are separate from the current allegations but said they underscore the need for complaints involving senior officers to be handled independently and in accordance with the law.
“While those matters are separate from the present allegations, their existence reinforces the need for the authorities to demonstrate a willingness to hold senior officers accountable by ensuring that complaints involving them are addressed in keeping with the regulations and laws.”
The party also called for the complainant to be protected against intimidation, retaliation or occupational disadvantage, while demanding that relevant records, communications and potential evidence be secured.
“No police officer—woman or man—should fear that reporting alleged misconduct by a superior could threaten his or her career, safety, transfer, promotion, or ability to continue serving in the Force. Not having a professional investigation sends the wrong signal and emboldens errant officers.”
APNU said investigators must be institutionally independent of Karimbaksh and follow the evidence wherever it leads. If criminal conduct or breaches of police discipline are established, the party said the appropriate legal and disciplinary measures must follow regardless of rank.
It ended with a direct warning on the limits of seniority within the Force:
“No police rank is too senior to be accountable. Every officer must be accountable, and senior ranks must not misuse their authority and run roughshod over junior ranks.”
The allegations against Karimbaksh remain unproven, and the investigation established by the Police Commissioner is ongoing.
Source: Village Voice News
