Due process should involve him going on leave- Min. Persaud on Karimbaksh rape scandal

October 20, 2026

After almost one month, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindya Persaud has expressed her frustration with rape accused Fizal Karimbaksh’s continued occupancy of the Office of the Special Organised Crime Unit, where he serves as its head.

The Minister, whose ministry is tasked with ensuring the protection of the vulnerable, especially victims of rape and other forms of abuse, said that her position on the matter is clear.

“Once a report has been made, the allegation ought to be thoroughly investigated, and for me, nobody is above the law, and the law is very clear.”  Minister Persaud said during a telephone interview late Monday night, October 19, 2026.

She said it is for this reason that the family violence bill was taken to parliament, and now the sexual offences act is under review and will be going to the Parliamentary Select Committee.

“A person should be held accountable, and by that I mean there are no two ways about this, and due process should involve him (rape accused Fizal Karimbaksh) going on leave to facilitate the investigation; that is my view on this matter,” the Human Services Minister told this publication

According to Persaud, there is already a system to deal with these sorts of situations, and those systems must be followed and be allowed to work.

“There is a process, and that process should be followed for everyone, and the police have a responsibility to carry out the letter of the law. Following the police, it of course goes to courts. These actions are unlawful activities, and people need to be held accountable,” Minister Persaud said.

She concluded by stating that her ministry has the necessary support systems, including counselling, professional help and even legal representation.