Georgetown – The Guyana police force on Tuesday afternoon informed the public that it has halted all investigations into a 16-year old girl’s allegation that Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall raped her at his residence last December.
According to the police the, decision was based on advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, following a statement from the teenager that was delivered to the police by her mother.
The teenager indicated that she wanted no further action in the matter.
“The DPP also proferred her advice based on the fact that the virtual complainant’s statement was taken by a forensic interviewer in the presence of a parent, a Child Care officer and a Police officer and that such statement was free and voluntary,” the police force said in a statement.
In light of this, the Director of Public Prosecution concluded that in the absence of the victim’s complaint, there is no legal provision for the police to proceed with the matter.
The DPP also disclosed that consideration was given to the fact that the complainant gave a further statement to investigators that she wished to withdraw her complaint against Dharamlall and her decision was not influenced by anyone and it was in her best interest.
According to the online publication Demerara Waves, sources said that the non-governmental organisation, Blossom Inc. – a Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) that plays a key role in investigating alleged sexual offences along with police and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security – was facilitating the process from the inception. (CMC)