Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall has proceeded on administrative leave to allow an investigation into the serious allegations of rape and sexual assault leveled against him by a 16-year-old school girl.

In a statement on Sunday, President Irfaan Ali said the Minister requested that he be granted leave to allow for the investigation, and leave has been granted.

In wake of the serious allegations leveled against the Government Minister, the President has said he takes such allegations seriously, but the Opposition has accused him of not doing enough to protect the child following the allegations.

The Child Care and Protection Agency has reportedly called in the Police to probe the incident and the teenager has since provided a detailed statement to a non-governmental child advocacy group.

The statements against the Minister first surfaced on social media late last week. He has since maintained a steady silence on the issue. There are reports that attempts were made by him to compensate the girl’s parents.

A number of children rights activists and opposition officials have issued a call for a thorough probe of the incident.

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