I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, on 14 May 2026, an Italian national reported an incident which occurred at Ganga Talao at around 13:30 hrs. The complainant reported that he, together with another Italian national, were consuming snacks in the car park when two individuals approached them and informed them that the consumption of non-vegetarian food at Ganga Talao was not permitted. An argument ensued, following which the complainant alleged that he was assaulted and that some of his personal belongings were forcefully taken by the two individuals and thrown into nearby bushes. Police officers from the Grand Bassin Police Post proceeded to the site upon being informed of the incident. The two suspects, including one Police Officer not on duty, were arrested on the same day and detained at the Midlands Police Station. The suspects were provisionally charged on 15 May 2026, before the District Court of Savanne for the offence of “Larceny with aggravating circumstances”. They were subsequently released on bail with conditions. Police enquiry into the matter is ongoing. As regards part (b) of the question, may I remind the House that after the gross disrespect that was shown at Grand Bassin by the former Attorney General and Minister of Agriculture, I had said and you had also said, hon. Member, that we should make that area a spiritual park. Actually, the previous Government, due to the public outcry, tried to correct matters and to preserve the sanctity of the Ganga Talao. They have made it a Spiritual Sanctuary, but it should be safeguarded and the whole area has to be properly managed. My Office has also received representations regarding its preservation, management and safeguard of its sanctity. To this effect, I wish to point out that I had a meeting with the representatives of the Sanatan Dharma Temples Federation on 07 May 2026, during which several matters were discussed, including Ganga Talao. I have reassured the Federation that necessary action will be taken to preserve the sanctity of Ganga Talao and relevant guidelines will be issued. I have also requested the Minister of Arts and Culture to develop appropriate guidelines to establish a comprehensive framework for the management, protection and preservation of the sanctity of Ganga Talao, and he has to do this in consultations with relevant stakeholders. The Ministry of Arts and Culture has already conducted several meetings on that matter. The House will appreciate that, Mauritius being a secular State, access to a spiritual sanctuary cannot be restricted. At the same time, it is imperative that all visitors comply with the established practices, that is, regarding behaviour and dress code, in order to preserve the sanctity as well as uphold the cultural and religious significance of such sites. In this respect, I am informed by the Ministry of Tourism that it is collaborating with the Ministry of Arts and Culture on sensitisation campaigns for both local and international visitors to these spiritual sites.

Yes, alright. Mr Caserne, Third Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue. POLICE CELLS – NON-OPERATIONALITY – REASONS