Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced Thursday.
Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), will remain on leave while a police investigation into the allegations proceeds.
The GPF said the decision follows receipt of a report concerning the allegations. Commissioner of Police Dr Clifton Hicken subsequently established a team to conduct what the Force described as a thorough investigation.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to inform the public that Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh has been sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made against him.”
The Force also disclosed that the female Police Inspector who made the report has been transferred from SOCU to Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’.
The development comes amid heightened public scrutiny over the handling of the allegations and calls from Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) , this publication, and many others for an investigation that is independent and capable of commanding public confidence.
The GPF has now confirmed that Karimbaksh has been removed from active duty pending the investigation.
The Force said the allegations are being treated seriously and assured the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally and impartially and in keeping with established procedures.
“The Guyana Police Force wishes to assure the public that the allegations are being treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be conducted professionally, impartially and in accordance with established procedures.”
The Force further stressed the importance of due process for everyone involved.
“The Force remains committed to ensuring that due process is afforded to all parties involved.”
The allegations remain unproven and Karimbaksh is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless and until the allegations are established through the appropriate process.
The GPF said investigations are continuing and that further information will be provided as necessary.
The case has also raised broader questions about institutional accountability and the handling of allegations of sexual misconduct within law-enforcement agencies, particularly where senior-ranking officers are involved. The transfer of the complainant and the decision to place Karimbaksh on leave are now likely to form part of public scrutiny as the investigation proceeds.
