President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged that the investigation involving Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh move forward, revealing that he has been informed that the Guyana Police Force has completed its work in the matter.
“The investigation is being done by the Police Force. There is no Police Service Commission. The Police Force would then send whatever report they have to the Director of Public Prosecutions…to make a pronouncement on the investigation,” Ali said.
The President indicated that he was told by the police that they had “wrapped up their work” on the matter and expressed dissatisfaction with the length of the process.
“I would urge that the process move forward. I don’t like it as much as you don’t like it. I would urge that the process move forward,” Ali said.
Karimbaksh, who serves as Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), has been facing allegations of rape and threatening behaviour made by a female police rank.
The Guyana Police Force had previously said that the allegations were being treated seriously and that Karimbaksh was sent on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
Karimbaksh has since challenged the decision by Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken to send him on pre-retirement leave and, through his attorney Rizwaun Mohamed, has disputed the legal basis for requiring him to proceed on that leave.
A letter dated October 7, 2026, reportedly informed Karimbaksh that he was eligible for 174 days of annualised vacation leave prior to retirement, commencing November 8.
Ali’s latest comments suggest that the police investigative stage has now been completed, with the next step expected to involve the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The President, however, stopped short of offering a view on what action should ultimately be taken. He also refrained from offering his opinion on whether Karimbaksh should stay on the job amid the probe.
