Top Cop confirms Charrandas Persaud under investigation

Commissioner of Police Leslie James yesterday confirmed that the police are actively investigating an allegation involving former government MP Charrandas Persaud.

When contacted by Stabroek News yesterday for a comment on the matter, James would only confirm that an active investigation is ongoing.

He declined to disclose any details in relation to the probe such as what it entails and on what basis it was launched.

“Indeed we are engaged in such an investigation but in terms of disclosures I wouldn’t disclose anything further at this point other than to say that we do have an active investigation,” James said.

He noted that it is a “very sensitive” matter.

“No…I would not go there because that can engender a whole set of discussions and I am very sensitive to this matter…..The matter is under investigation full stop,” James added. Since Persaud voted in favour of the opposition motion of confidence against the government, essentially triggering its collapse, he has come under severe attack from APNU+AFC MPs, officials of the administration and others. Persaud has denied being bribed for his vote. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo filed the no-confidence motion on November 15 declaring no-confidence in the APNU+AFC government. The motion was debated on December 21 and passed 33-32 after Persaud voted with the opposition. Persaud said he voted according to his conscience. He left for Canada the day after the vote.