Africa-Press – Mauritius. Renganaden Padayachy, former Mauritian Minister of Finance, is facing intensified scrutiny amidst ongoing investigations into alleged corrupt practices. Previous accusations, including the questionable disbursement of Rs 45 million to Pulse Analytics for purported political polling and the suspicious Apavou Deal involving between Rs 300 and Rs 400 million, have been compounded by new allegations. These latest claims, brought forth by Minister Shakeel Mohamed during budget debates for 2025-26, center on land deals and the misuse of public funds for personal gain.
The most significant new accusation involves a Rs 36 million expenditure by the National Social Living Development (NSLD) to construct a new road. Mohamed alleges that Padayachy directed this project to reroute traffic, effectively shielding his Mount Pleasant residence from residents of a nearby housing complex. This, Mohamed argues, demonstrates a blatant disregard for public funds and a prioritizing of personal convenience over public needs.
Further allegations revolve around a land transaction between the Mauritius Investment Corporation Limited (MIC) and Medine, a major West region operator. The MIC purchased land from Medine in 2024 for Rs 875 million, significantly exceeding its 2021 valuation of Rs 600 million. Mohamed asserts Padayachy influenced this transaction, manipulating the process to secure a deal that prevented further development adjacent to his property. This, according to Mohamed, underscores a pattern of self-serving actions that prioritize personal gain at the expense of public interest.
Adding to these allegations, Mohamed points to Padayachy’s alleged insertion of an amendment into the 2024 Finance (Miscellaneous) Bill. This amendment, passed without consultation with the Ministry of Land, mandates green spaces within all new developments. This, Mohamed contends, was a strategic maneuver designed to create a large green buffer zone around Padayachy’s property, further enhancing its value and preventing unwanted development.
The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) is currently investigating these latest developments, adding to the existing investigations into Padayachy’s conduct. The scale of these accusations and the ongoing investigations suggest a widening net of potential illegal activities, putting Padayachy’s past actions and the role he played within the government under intense scrutiny.
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