Attorney General Anand Ramlogan yesterday labelled a criminal complaint against him of witness-tampering allegations as “part of a wider political conspiracy designed to damage the government as we draw closer to elections.”
His four-sentence response came at 6.08 pm after meeting with Communication Minister Vasant Bharath at his Cabildo Chambers, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain, and three-and-a-half hours after the acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said a criminal investigation had begun into a complaint made by the Director of the Police Complaints Authority David West.
The Government is in its fifth year in office and a general election is scheduled for later this year.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was in Costa Rica, has been reportedly apprised of the developments, government sources said. She was scheduled back in the country last night.
West claimed Ramlogan had asked him to withdraw his witness statement in a lawsuit he (Ramlogan) brought against Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley relating to the failed extradition of applicants Steve Ferguson and Ishwar Galbaransingh in the Section 34 extradition matter.
West also claimed that Ramlogan made that request in exchange for his (West’s) appointment as PCA director.
Ramlogan has denied that allegation.
In the media statement, he said he welcomed the police probe and intended to co-operate fully with the investigators.
He said he was confident he would be vindicated at the end.
There was widespread speculation that Ramlogan was about to tender his resignation but in the statement he issued later, he made no mention of any resignation.
Ramlogan yesterday said he hoped “the investigation would be handled professionally, thoroughly and expeditiously.”
The minister said all parties must now allow due process to take its course.
Members of the media camped outside the AG’s office were not able to speak to him directly. Bharath’s driver drove off without the minister acknowledging members of media.