The Alliance For Change (AFC) is demanding an independent investigation into rape allegations against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fizal Karimbaksh, as the senior officer remains on active duty following the withdrawal of the Police Commissioner’s directive placing him on leave.
The development has intensified scrutiny of the authorities’ handling of the allegations, particularly after Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken rescinded his earlier instruction following a challenge from Karimbaksh’s attorney over the legal authority to compel him to take leave. Subsequent reporting indicated that advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers addressed the Commissioner’s constitutional authority over an officer of Karimbaksh’s rank.
The allegations were made by a serving female Police Inspector and reportedly include rape and threatening behaviour. They remain unproven, and Karimbaksh is entitled to due process.
In its statement, issued today, the AFC said the seriousness of the allegations and Karimbaksh’s senior position within the Guyana Police Force required swift action to protect the integrity of the investigation and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
“Given the seriousness of these allegations and his senior position within the Guyana Police Force, it is imperative that the authorities act swiftly to protect the integrity of the investigative process and maintain public confidence in the justice system.”
The party called for an independent investigation free from political or institutional interference, with the complainant’s rights, dignity and privacy protected throughout the process.
“No individual, regardless of rank or position, should be above accountability. The public must be assured that these allegations will be treated with the seriousness they warrant and that the investigation will be guided by evidence, fairness, and the rule of law.”
The withdrawal of the leave directive raises a difficult question for the authorities: how can the investigation command public confidence when the officer facing the allegations remains in a senior position within the police force?
The dispute also exposes a constitutional and administrative issue concerning who has the authority to place a Deputy Commissioner on leave or exercise disciplinary control over an officer of that rank. The Attorney General’s Chambers reportedly advised that the Commissioner did not possess independent authority under the relevant constitutional provision to exercise such disciplinary control.
The AFC maintained that the allegations must be investigated properly and that due process must be respected, but argued that appropriate safeguards are necessary while investigators establish the facts.
“The AFC demands decisive action, transparency, and accountability from the relevant authorities.”
The party’s statement does not establish Karimbaksh’s guilt. The central issues remain whether the allegations will be investigated impartially, whether the complainant’s rights will be protected, and whether the authorities can demonstrate that the process is free from interference.
