Deputy Commissioner of Police and SOCU head Fazil Karimbaksh has threatened legal action against Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken over efforts to compel him to take leave, days after police announced that he had been sent on leave pending an investigation into allegations of rape and threatening behaviour.
Attorney-at-law Rizwaun Mohamed, writing on Karimbaksh’s behalf on October 10, challenged Hicken’s authority to impose compulsory pre-retirement or administrative leave and disputed the calculation of his client’s outstanding vacation entitlement.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of a complaint by a female Police Inspector who worked at the Special Organised Crime Unit. On October 8, the Guyana Police Force explicitly linked Karimbaksh’s leave to the investigation into her allegations, saying Hicken had established a team to conduct the probe.
In his letter, Mohamed said Hicken’s October 7 correspondence advised that Karimbaksh was eligible for 174 days of annualised vacation leave before retirement, beginning November 8, 2026.
However, the attorney said his instructions were that official records showed an entitlement of 118 days. Karimbaksh is scheduled to retire in April 2027, according to the letter.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my client does not consent to compulsory pre-retirement leave on the basis presently advanced. He remains ready and available to discharge his duties and comply with lawful directions,” Mohamed wrote.
The attorney acknowledged the Commissioner’s command responsibilities under the Police Act but argued that these did not settle the separate question of whether he could lawfully compel Karimbaksh’s absence.
Mohamed contended that disciplinary control over an officer of his client’s rank rests with the Police Service Commission, subject to any valid written delegation. He argued that the Commission’s current absence did not automatically transfer its powers to Hicken.
He also expressly disputed the Commissioner’s authority to impose compulsory administrative leave.
“No applicable statutory power or operative written delegation authorising that course has been identified or furnished,” the attorney stated.
Mohamed warned that he had instructions to commence legal proceedings without further notice if compulsory leave were imposed without lawful authority, including seeking urgent interim relief where necessary.
The letter concerns a proposed November 8 start for pre-retirement leave, while the GPF’s October 8 public announcement said Karimbaksh had already been sent on leave pending the investigation. That police statement did not specify the category or duration of the leave.
Before the announcement, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond had publicly supported placing Karimbaksh on administrative leave while the allegations were investigated. Speaking on the Starting Point podcast, she acknowledged questions about the process because the Police Service Commission was not constituted.
The handling of the complaint also prompted concerns from women’s organisations. The Women and Gender Equality Commission criticised what it described as the police leadership’s “deafening silence” and questioned whether the senior officer had been relieved of duty.
Separately, the Guyana Public Service Union’s Women’s Advisory Committee called for his immediate placement on administrative leave and an independent investigation. The committee argued that allowing a senior officer to remain in control of his office during such a probe could expose witnesses and evidence to interference. It also sought protection and support for the complainant and witnesses.
Police have confirmed that the Inspector was transferred from SOCU to Regional Police Division Four ‘A’. Walrond said the transfer was requested by the officer after she filed her report.
The GPF has promised a professional and impartial investigation and due process for all parties.
