Eight people are facing charges in an intermediate court for breaching the curfew between October 13 and 15, 2026, in various locations across Mauritius, including Chemin Grenier, Mahébourg, Flacq, St Martin, and Goodlands. The accused, whose ages range from 19 to 30, will have their verdict delivered on November 3, 2026. Initially, nine individuals were to face trial, but charges against 23-year-old Devraj Ramluggan were withdrawn as he remains at large.
The eight accused individuals are Marcus Tobias Quirin, 21, Jean Bernard Deny Ivan Monty, 29, Frederick François Louise, 23, Lauren Jesven Jevinio Déesse, 23, Rudre Padarath Gaya, 19, Nadarajen Vaneshan Ramasamy, 29, Jean Jesson Wesley Aza, 30, and Jeevesh Ramkurrun, 29. The curfew was enforced from 8:30 PM to 6:00 AM on October 13, and from 8:30 PM to 5:00 AM on October 14 and 15. Seven witnesses testified during the trial, and three of the accused have prior convictions.
Three of the accused individuals, Rudre Padarath Gaya, Jean Jesson Wesley Aza, and Jeevesh Ramkurrun, are represented by lawyers who argued in favor of a fine. Their lawyers claimed that their clients had pleaded guilty, cooperated fully with the police, and expressed remorse. They also requested that the court distinguish between those who intended to cause chaos and those who did not.
During the trial, the accused individuals testified and claimed they would not repeat their actions. Marcus Tobias Quirin, a chef from Beau-Bassin, stated that he had learned his lesson and did not want to be in a similar situation again. He was arrested on October 13, 2026, at 10:50 PM, near the Chemin-Grenier police station, and could not explain his presence.
Other accused individuals also provided explanations for their actions. Jean Bernard Deny Ivan Monty, a mason from Ville-Noire, claimed he was unaware of the curfew and was on his way to pick up his father. Frederick François Louise, from Mahébourg, stated he was buying drinks for his daughter's birthday. Lauren Jesven Jevinio Déesse, from Bonne-Mère, claimed he was buying food after his car broke down.
The remaining accused individuals also provided their explanations. Rudre Padarath Gaya, from St Remy, stated he was buying medicine for his ailing mother. Nadarajen Vaneshan Ramasamy, from Ville-Noire, initially claimed he was buying cigarettes but later stated he was going fishing. Jean Jesson Wesley Aza, from St Martin, claimed he was returning from work and looking for a store to buy milk for his one-month-old baby.
The verdict for the eight accused individuals will be delivered on November 3, 2026. The accused individuals and their families anxiously await the court's decision.
Key points
- Eight individuals accused of violating curfew in Mauritius face a verdict on November 3, 2026.
- The accused individuals provided various explanations for their actions during the trial.
- Three of the accused individuals have lawyers who argued in favor of a fine.
