Oct 2, 2026
2 min read
Deputy Commissioner Fizal Karimbaksh should be sent on administrative leave while allegations of sexual assault against him are investigated, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said.
Speaking in a teaser for The Starting Point podcast, Walrond addressed a complaint by a serving female police inspector against Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).
"I hold this strong view that he should go be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation," she said.
Walrond confirmed that the inspector has given a statement and has been transferred from SOCU at her request.
"I'm informed from the Commissioner that a team has been set up to deal with this investigation," she said.
Statements will be taken from relevant persons and from Karimbaksh before the Criminal Investigation Department determines whether disciplinary or criminal action is warranted.
Asked who can send the officer on leave, Walrond said the Police Service Commission ordinarily would, but it is not currently constituted.
"It's a discussion we need to have with the Commissioner and myself as to how we address that," she said.
Demerara Waves has reported that the Commission handles disciplinary action involving officers from Inspector to Deputy Commissioner.
The inspector has alleged that Karimbaksh sexually assaulted her twice, threatened her life and pointed a firearm at her in 2024. The allegations, publicly reported since late September, have not been tested in court. Karimbaksh remains on duty.
APNU has called for him to be placed on administrative leave pending a full and independent investigation. The Forward Guyana Movement has urged that the probe proceed without interference.
The Guyana Police Force has not given details of the investigation, but senior officials have confirmed that a complaint was received.
