A French woman, Lily Lisa Romain, who was detained at the Sodnac police station in Mauritius, has alleged that a police officer from the Very Important Person Security Unit (VIPSU) made unwanted advances towards her. Romain, 27, was arrested on March 25 after 10 kilograms of cannabis and over 6 kilograms of hashish were found in abandoned luggage at the airport. She claims the officer, who frequently visited the police station, tried to seduce her and wanted to hold her in his arms.
The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation into Romain's detention and her alleged interactions with police officers. According to Romain, the officer would often visit the police station to deposit or retrieve his service weapon. The police have examined video footage from the station's surveillance cameras, which they believe corroborates some of Romain's claims. The footage has been described as "damning" by investigators.
The police officer in question has denied the allegations, but has been transferred from the VIPSU about a month ago. Another police officer, a Woman Police Constable (WPC), who was on duty during the time Romain allegedly left her cell, has also been transferred. The WPC reportedly fell asleep during her shift, which may have allowed Romain to leave her cell unnoticed.
Investigators from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) are working to determine how Romain was able to leave her cell between 3 am and 6 am. They have conducted a reconstitution of the events, with Romain showing them the route she took to get to the police barracks. The MCIT is also interviewing other police officers who were on duty during that time to establish their whereabouts.
The investigation is being conducted in accordance with established procedures, according to the Mauritian police. The case will be transmitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further action once the investigation is complete. The DPP will determine whether to press charges against the police officers involved.
The case has raised questions about the conduct of police officers and the security protocols in place at the Sodnac police station. Romain has since been transferred to the Beau-Bassin prison. The police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the allegations, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Mauritian police have stated that they will establish the facts and take disciplinary action if necessary. The case highlights the need for police accountability and the importance of ensuring that detainees are treated with respect and dignity.
Key points
- A French woman detained in Mauritius alleges a police officer made unwanted advances towards her at a police station.
- The police officer in question has denied the allegations, but has been transferred from his unit.
- The investigation is ongoing, with the police working to determine how the woman was able to leave her cell and whether any police officers were involved.
