The Mauritius government has been criticized for its handling of the Soopramanien Kistnen assassination case, with opposition leaders demanding transparency on the recruitment of former Scotland Yard experts. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had previously mentioned that Scotland Yard investigators would be brought in to shed light on the case. However, during a Private Notice Question, he revealed that the experts were actually recruited by the government, not directly by Scotland Yard.
The opposition has raised concerns about the £78,000 spent on the experts, which is approximately Rs 5 million. Leader of the Fron Militan Progresis (FMP), Paul Bérenger, has called on the government to disclose the names of the experts and explain who recommended them. He also questioned the lack of diplomatic passports and technical resources provided to the experts, which may have hindered their investigation.
According to sources, the Attorney General, Gavin Glover, recommended one of the experts to the Prime Minister. An individual involved in the case revealed that the expert was introduced as "Gavin Glover so dimounn" during a meeting at the Hennessy Park Hotel. The meeting also included the Special Advisor to the Casernes centrales, Monvoisin, a former assistant superintendent of police.
The government has not disclosed the number of former Scotland Yard experts recruited or how they were remunerated. Questions have been raised about the experts' working conditions, accommodation, and travel arrangements. The opposition is seeking answers on the use of public funds for the experts, who have not yet produced significant results in the investigation.
The Kistnen case has been ongoing for nearly two years, and the opposition is questioning whether the experts were recruited to uncover the truth or to perpetuate a cover-up. It has been reported that none of the influential figures who initially pushed for justice in the case have been interviewed by the experts.
The investigation into Soopramanien Kistnen's assassination has been criticized for its slow progress. The family's quest for justice has been ongoing since 2001. The case has seen several twists and turns, with various allegations of police and government involvement.
The issue has sparked a renewed call for transparency and accountability in the investigation. The government is expected to provide more information on the experts and their role in the investigation during the next parliamentary session. The opposition will likely continue to push for answers on the use of public funds and the effectiveness of the experts in uncovering the truth.
Key points
- The Mauritius government spent £78,000 on former Scotland Yard experts to investigate Soopramanien Kistnen's assassination.
- The experts were recruited by the government, not directly by Scotland Yard.
- The opposition is seeking transparency on the experts' recruitment, working conditions, and results.
