Days after he was sent on administrative leave over allegations that he raped and threatened a junior police officer, Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh is challenging the decision.
In a letter to Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken dated October 10, Karimbaksh’s lawyer, Rizwaun Mohamed, disputes the legal basis for compelling him to go on pre-retirement leave.
The Commissioner’s letter of October 7 said Karimbaksh is entitled to 174 days of leave before retirement, starting on November 8. The lawyer says official records show only 118 days, and Karimbaksh, who is due to retire in April 2027, does not accept either the calculation or the start date.
The letter also disputes the Commissioner’s authority to place Karimbaksh on administrative leave. It argues that, under Article 212 of the Constitution, disciplinary control over officers of his rank rests with the Police Service Commission. It notes that the commission is not currently constituted, and says that does not transfer its powers to the Commissioner.
Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit, says he remains ready to carry out his duties. His lawyer warns that if the Commissioner tries to force him off the job without lawful authority, he will go to court without further notice to seek urgent relief.
The letter does not address the allegations against him.