Rowley not yet questioned by cops

Police officers investigating a report of assault made against Diego Martin West MP Keith Rowley by Fyzabad MP Chand-resh Sharma, did not interview the Govern-ment minister. However, Police Commissioner Trevor Paul told Newsday the matter was being investigated. Senior officers said the matter fell under the Port-of-Spain Division and not the Port-of-Spain CID. Officers of the Port-of-Spain Division confirmed they were awaiting instructions from senior officers on how to proceed with the matter. Cpl Nizam Mohammed of the Central Police Station was the original investigator in the matter, but Newsday learnt that a sergeant or a first division officer will be appointed to conduct the probe. Mohammed is expected to hand over the file and exhibits to the new investigator today.

Senior officers said yesterday Rowley faced two charges of assault by beating and throwing missiles. Both offences fall under the Summary Offences Act. On Wednesday, Fyzabad MP Chand-resh Sharma, accompanied by Caroni East MP Ganga Singh and Siparia MP Kamla Persad Bissessar, lodged a report at the Central Police Station that a tea cup and a remote control for a television were thrown at him by Rowley. Sharma also claimed he was pushed by Rowley, but Rowley has denied the claims. The incident allegedly took place in the tea room in Parliament, and was witnessed by several persons. Couva South MP Kelvin Ramnath has already given a statement to the police in support of the claims made by MP Sharma.