A prominent government official in Guyana, Minister Nigel Dharamlall, is facing a serious investigation after being arrested on charges of raping an Indigenous teenager.
According to his attorney, Nigel Hughes, Dharamlall, who holds the position of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, has refuted all allegations made against him.
Dharamlall, who is known to frequently interact with Indigenous communities in his official capacity, was apprehended on Monday. Although he has been released on bail, he must report to the investigating detectives on a daily basis.
In response to the allegations, President Irfaan Ali has placed Dharamlall on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
No charges have been filed against him thus far.
The case took a concerning turn when authorities revealed that the teenage girl had allegedly asked to be released from her parents’ custody due to alleged pressure from ruling party officials to accept monetary compensation as a settlement.
Assistant Police Chief Wendell Blanhum stated on Wednesday that the investigative findings would likely be submitted to the state prosecutor’s office in the coming days for a determination on whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges against Dharamlall.
The situation has garnered significant attention from civil society leaders, opposition politicians, and human rights organisations, including the Amerindian Peoples Association. They are closely monitoring the case and have called for an impartial investigation.
In a statement, the association commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and expressed hope that she would be free from fear and intimidation while maintaining her security.