The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) has arrested a second suspect, Ridwaan Bauluck, a 34-year-old social worker from Phoenix, in connection with the murder of Selven Iyempermal. The arrest comes over a week after Iyempermal's fatal assault at his La Caverne home. Bauluck was taken into police custody on November 5 and appeared before the Port-Louis court the next day on a provisional charge of perverting the course of justice. He has engaged the services of lawyer Me Samad Golamaully.
Selven Iyempermal, 34, died from injuries sustained during a violent attack at his home on October 27. A group of masked individuals armed with a baseball bat, sword, and telescopic batons allegedly attacked him, causing severe injuries that led to his death at Victoria Hospital in Candos. An autopsy by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Gungadin attributed Iyempermal's death to hemorrhagic shock caused by multiple injuries. A friend who was present during the attack and tried to intervene suffered injuries to his left arm and legs.
The MCIT launched a probe into the murder and arrested Imtiyaz Chady, 35, from Stanley, Rose-Hill, two days after the incident. Chady has denied any involvement in the crime and faces a provisional murder charge. He remains in police custody. Like Chady, Bauluck has also denied participating in the fatal assault, claiming he was at home with family members at the time of the attack. One of his family members is expected to be questioned to confirm his alibi.
On November 6, the Divisional Crime Intelligence Unit (DCIU) arrested another suspect, a 40-year-old man from Rose-Hill, who was handed over to the MCIT for further investigation. The police are exploring the possibility of a revenge motive and suspect Iyempermal was involved in drug trafficking in his locality. Bauluck is known for his anti-drug activism and community work, particularly alongside Bhai Abbas and Ishtiyaq Caunhye.
As part of the investigation, Bhai Abbas was questioned, along with residents at his rehabilitation center, before being released. A 40-year-old man had earlier approached the Pope-Hennessy police station on November 2, stating he recognized his two brothers in a video circulating on social media, showing an attack at Iyempermal's home days before his murder. He later attended the MCIT headquarters with his lawyers to provide a statement.
The man, represented by lawyer Me Assad Peeroo, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the police, clarifying that his statement relates to the earlier attack and not the day of the murder. The police continue to investigate the case. Iyempermal's case has garnered significant attention, with authorities working to unravel the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
The murder case remains under investigation, with police probing various leads and verifying alibis. So far, two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the case, while others have been questioned and released. Authorities have not disclosed further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Key points
- MCIT arrests second suspect, Ridwaan Bauluck, in connection with Selven Iyempermal's murder
- Probe suggests possible revenge motive, Iyempermal's involvement in local drug trafficking
- Case under investigation, multiple suspects questioned, two arrested so far
