DPP says OCS Taalam interfered with CCTV cameras at Central Police Station

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts, the prosecution said that Taalam, who is the custodian of station records and CCTV systems, hired a technician to tamper with surveillance footage at the Central Police Station — an act believed to be an attempt to obstruct justice.

The DPP further revealed that Taalam’s mobile phone has already been detained and is currently undergoing forensic examination as part of the broader investigation.

“There are witnesses, particularly police officers who were on duty on the material day, who are yet to be interviewed and have their statements recorded. Given the respondent’s position as OCS, there is a high likelihood that he will interfere with these potential witnesses,” the prosecution stated.

The State is now seeking to have Taalam detained for 21 days to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to complete investigations without any interference.

“This limited period of detention is the least intrusive measure we can take to safeguard the interests of justice and ensure the victims’ rights are upheld,” the court heard.

The prosecution argued that it had acted in good faith by presenting the respondent to court promptly, and that Taalam had been informed of both the reasons for his arrest and the grounds for seeking continued detention.

“We have satisfied the legal tests required for pre-trial detention. There is already demonstrable interference with evidence and witnesses. We only seek a short window to conclude investigations,” said the State Counsel.

The court will make a ruling on the application in due course with the defence expected to oppose the application to detain Taalam for 21 days.