DPP hands out decision: No provisional charges against Lutchmeenaraidoo

The minister of foreign affairs, Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, has some breathing space. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided not to lodge any provisional charges against him pending the completion of the enquiry launched by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). A preliminary report on the probe into his euro loan has been submitted by the anti-corruption agency to the Commissioner of Police, Mario Nobin. ICAC recommended the arrest of Lutchmeenaraidoo and for provisional charges to be retained against him. The CP has consulted the DPP’s office on this issue and it was decided that no provisional charges would be lodged. The minister was heard twice (6th and 14th April) by the anti-corruption agency and he claimed to be a “victim of a conspiracy” orchestrated by his colleague Minister Roshi Bhadain. Following this positive outcome, Lutchmeenaraidoo got some support from vice-prime minister Ivan Collendavelloo during a stone-laying ceremony at Rivière des Anguilles on Wednesday evening. Without giving any names, Collendavelloo lashed out against some persons who he said are not necessarily from the opposition (did he mean from the parliamentary majority?). “There are some firestarters who do not necessarily stem from the opposition who are tarnishing our repute. Vishnu has gone through this and I am also facing the same situation. But I am not as quiet as Vishnu. I will not spare anyone. I will keep on working and deal with those firestarters accordingly,” he addressed. During the same event, Lutchmeenaraidoo thanked ministers who supported him as without their support he would not have been able to bear the pressure. He stated that the accusations caused him prejudice. “I am a fearless warrior, and as you have seen, I mean business. I will not let anyone tarnish my integrity and reputation. I am not someone who will line my pockets. I have also told my colleague Bhadain ‘if you have any information, then get it out’. I have had enough of this charade. I am the most righteous person in this government,” he stated. The leader of the governing MSM party, Pravind Jugnauth, stated that even though his party is facing a crisis, the show must go on. “I will not say all is well. I am not part of any clans, as some are claiming. I only support the truth and justice. Members of my party have my support. I believe in following procedures and investigations should be carried out independently.” Commenting on the judgement regarding the appeal against his conviction, Pavind Jugnauth stated: “One of two things can happen. Either I win or lose. I have already decided on my course of action should I lose. It is not the end and it is not the end,” he stated. Referring to the case of Dhiraj Khamajeet, former Labour Party MP, he said “there was a voice recording in his case and it was broadcasted on the radio. There was no investigation. Investigations should be carried out against everyone. But there should be no persecution.” He has denied being at loggerheads with the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth.