Police assure investigations continuing according to procedure
COMMANDER of ‘C’ Division, Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine has assured that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the various authorities are continuing with the investigations regarding the Muslim scholar/imam accused of sexually molesting several youths.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the senior police officer said no time will be wasted in serving justice. However, the process must be conducted in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act.
Ramnarine said, unlike previous times, there is a new legal system in place which does not allow the police to make further decisions unless things are done as outlined.
Investigations are continuous and what people are not aware of is that there are procedures to be followed before arresting or charging somebody, he explained.
Ramnarine stated that persons are still coming forward to indicate that they have suffered at the suspect’s hands and, as such, it will take some time before he is charged and taken to Court.
His explanation was offered after calls, by some sections of society, to fast track the probe.
On Monday, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ms. Ann Greene confirmed that several other young lads had come forward with similar allegations of being victims of the same man.
Several Muslim organisations, as well as top government functionaries have condemned the actions of the scholar in revelations that at least four boys are alleged to have been sexually molested by the Islamic scholar attached to the Turkeyen Masjid.
They have called the perpetrator wicked and said they are appalled by the news of what took place in the madrasah.
The issue came to light last week Monday, when the parent of three of the children who were assaulted received information from the Child Care and Protection Agency, to which several anonymous informants reported the incidents and called for justice.
The mother reported that she was first made aware of the occurrence when a welfare officer went to her house Monday night with her three children. The vendor had just returned home after selling on Regent Street, in Georgetown and did not see the trio, who arrived in a motor car with the official.
Based on what she was told, the woman said she believes her sons were sexually assaulted between December 2011 and January 2012.
The woman said other children might have lodged complaints although the man allegedly threatened to kill them with a gun he had shown them.
The suspect was arrested the following evening but later released on station bail and, until there is enough evidence required in accord with the legal procedure, no charges will be laid.