The investigation into allegations of a sexual relationship between a detainee, Lisa Lily Romain, and a police officer at the Sodnac police station has taken a new turn. The constable in question allegedly confirmed the allegations during an interrogation by the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) after being confronted with surveillance footage. The footage shows the officer escorting Romain, a 27-year-old French national, to the female police quarters around 3 am on July 13.
According to the facts gathered, the constable may have obtained the cell keys to allow Romain to leave her cell. The two allegedly had a sexual relationship on a camp bed before the officer escorted her back to her cell around 6 am. Investigators believe a close relationship and certain level of complicity had already developed between the officer and the alleged drug trafficker. Romain is currently serving time at the Beau-Bassin prison.
A police officer responsible for monitoring the cell, known as the "Sentry Cell," is also under investigation. Discrepancies were found in the entries recorded in the Diary Book on the night in question. The officer had indicated that Romain was present in her cell between 3 am and 6 am on July 13. The MCIT is also trying to determine if the constable's and police officer's colleagues were sleeping during the incident.
The role of the sergeant in charge of the night shift is being examined, as well as the movements of police officers on duty that night. So far, neither of the two police officers has been arrested or charged. However, they may be required to answer for their actions before the Disciplinary Orderly Court, which sits internally at the Central Garrison.
Once the MCIT completes its investigation, the police administration will determine the sanctions to be taken. The process could be initiated by the Disciplined Forces Service Commission. Since the incident was exposed, the two police officers have been transferred from the Sodnac police station. The constable has been assigned to the Victoria Hospital police station, while the police officer has been assigned to the Beau-Bassin police station.
Romain was arrested on March 25 after abandoning a suitcase containing 10 kilograms of cannabis and 6 kilograms of resin at Plaisance Airport. She had arrived in Mauritius from France on March 23. Airport surveillance footage allowed police to identify her. Investigators also noticed a suspicious member of the Airport Security Unit (ADSU) nearby, which led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking network known as "La Rosa."
A total of 10 people were arrested in connection with the network, including two police officers and the alleged mastermind, former prison guard Oumeshlall Ramsarran. The constable implicated in the alleged rape is currently on accumulated leave for a month and is awaiting possible disciplinary action.
Key points
- The constable allegedly confirmed the allegations of a sexual relationship with Romain during an MCIT interrogation.
- The incident is part of a larger investigation into a drug trafficking network known as "La Rosa."
- The two police officers implicated may face disciplinary action before the Disciplinary Orderly Court.
