Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said she will meet with Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken to determine the appropriate course of action regarding Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, who is facing allegations of rape and threatening behaviour.

The home affairs minister was at the time responding to questions about whether Karimbaksh, who heads the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), should be placed on administrative leave as investigations into the allegations are ongoing.

“The Police Service Commission (PSC) ultimately should be the one to do that. Barring the fact that it’s not currently constituted, I would assume that it’s a discussion we need to have between the commissioner and myself on how we address that,” Minister Walrond said during a preview of the Starting Point podcast set to air this coming Sunday.

She said Commissioner Hicken informed her that a team has been established to investigate the matter. The process will include obtaining statements from persons relevant to the investigation, including Karimbaksh, followed by a formal confrontation between the parties.

Minister Walrond noted that the matter would thereafter be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary or criminal process, depending on the findings of the investigation.

“It is my view, and I hold this strong view, that he should be sent on administrative leave pending the investigation,” the minister said.

The minister plans to meet with Commissioner Hicken to discuss the appropriate mechanism for addressing the matter.