By Tracey Khan – Drakes

 

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Commissioner of Police (ag) Seelall Persaud struggled to justify to Reporters the promotion of the two police officers who tortured a 15 – year – old male by burning his genitals at the Leonora Police Station in 2008.

The revelation of the promotion received widespread condemnation from sections of society, including the Rights of the Child Commission, which called for it to be rescinded.

In defending the decision of the Police Service Commission (PSC) to promote the cops, the Commissioner told Reporters on Thursday, February 05 that no charges were instituted against the two ranks.

"No departmental charges were recommended;" however the officer in Charge of Police Station at the time of the incident was demoted. The Commissioner said the decision to demote that officer was made following investigations..

In 2008, both ranks- Mohanram Dolai and Narine Lall were charged with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm by burning the genitals of 15-year-old Twyon Thomas. The teenager was arrested in connection with the death of then Region Three Vice Chairman, Ramenaught Bisram.

The case against them was dismissed after the teenager did not show up in Court to testify. Dolai was promoted to Corporal while Lall was promoted to Inspector.

Seelall reiterated the Force’s policy in matters of this nature. "Ranks who have been charged and go before the Court, if they have been convicted they are dismissed; if they are exonerated then they become a member of the Force. In our disciplinary process, if anyone is disciplined, two years after they are eligible for consideration; so we can’t have somebody in the Force that is ineligible for consideration of promotion."

He further noted, "life must go on." He said before the promotions are rescinded, the Police Force will have "to address policies."