In a significant turn of events, the Court of Appeal in Mauritius has overturned a four-year prison sentence handed to Rajmohun Lutchmun, 76, who was convicted of fatally assaulting his brother, Beejendra Lutchmun, 59, with an iron bar. The original conviction was delivered by the Intermediate Court on March 11, 2026. Rajmohun Lutchmun had been found guilty of causing death without intent to kill.
The case dates back to November 28, 2013, when Beejendra Lutchmun succumbed to cranio-cerebral injuries sustained during an altercation with his brother and other family members, including Rajiv Lutchmun, 48, and Rajwantee Lutchmun, 69. While Rajmohun Lutchmun was sentenced to four years in prison, Rajiv Lutchmun and Rajwantee Lutchmun were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Rajmohun Lutchmun had appealed the conviction, arguing that the Intermediate Court failed to properly consider his claim of self-defense. According to his account, his brother had threatened him with an iron bar, saying "Mo pou touye toi azordi la" (I'm going to kill you today). He also cited a previous incident where he was hospitalized after being attacked by his brother.
The Court of Appeal, comprising judges Véronique Kwok Yin Siong Yen and Jane Lau Yuk Poon, ruled that the Intermediate Court had indeed failed to adequately assess the elements of self-defense. As a result, the four-year prison sentence was annulled. The appeal court's decision was based on a thorough review of the evidence presented during the trial.
Rajmohun Lutchmun's legal team, led by Senior Counsel Rama Valayden, along with Imitabh Sharma Bandhu and A.S. Kasory-Bandhu, had argued that the Intermediate Court's verdict was flawed. The Court of Appeal's decision brings new hope to Rajmohun Lutchmun, who had maintained his innocence throughout the trial.
The case has garnered significant attention in Mauritius, with many following the developments closely. The Court of Appeal's ruling has raised questions about the initial investigation and the handling of the case by the Intermediate Court. Further proceedings will determine the next course of action in this complex and emotionally charged case.
The acquittal of Rajiv Lutchmun and Rajwantee Lutchmun had previously raised eyebrows, with some questioning the lack of evidence against them. The focus now shifts to the potential retrial or re-examination of the case against Rajmohun Lutchmun, with his lawyers pushing for a more favorable outcome for their client.
Key points
- The Court of Appeal in Mauritius has annulled a four-year prison sentence against Rajmohun Lutchmun, 76, for the fatal assault of his brother, citing inadequate consideration of self-defense claims.
- Rajmohun Lutchmun was accused of killing his brother, Beejendra Lutchmun, 59, with an iron bar during an altercation on November 28, 2013.
- The case will likely undergo further proceedings to determine the next course of action.
