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Local government and regional development minister in Guyana, Nigel Dharamlall. (CMC file photo)
CMC – Embattled local government and regional development minister, Nigel Dharamlall, has been placed on one million dollars (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) station bail, after he was arrested on Monday in connection with allegations of sexual assault of a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
Police had arrested the minister, who has since gone on leave to facilitate the probe, when he presented himself at the Brickdam Police Station in the company of his attorney, Nigel Hughes, where he was told of the allegation.
Hughes, a prominent civil and criminal lawyer said that his client was not questioned during the eight-hour-long detention, but the allegation had been put to him.
“An allegation was put to him consequently he was a suspect so the opportunity for cooperation did not arise,” Hughes said, adding that Dharamlal is expected to return to police at 8.00 am (local time) on Tuesday at which time the defence team would provide evidence that Dharamlall did not commit the act he has been accused of.
“Through his counsel, we informed the police that we are in possession f evidence which contradicts the allegation and will be providing that to them today,” Hughes said.
On Sunday, President Irfaan Ali said that he has “no problem” with a request made by Dharamlall, to proceed on leave to facilitate the investigation.
“The minister has requested leave for a full probe into the allegations and I have no problem with it. I have agreed,” Ali told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) in a telephone interview.
