Mauritius prison death prompts calls for probe into drugs and corruption

Foreign Prisoners Network Mauritius is pressing for an immediate, independent investigation into the death of 43-year-old Avinash Ramgotee at Melrose Prison. The group says the case raises fresh questions about drug trafficking, corruption, staff failures and prisoner safety after an earlier government inquiry flagged major systemic problems at the facility.

Why it matters: - Ramgotee's death could point to broader security and safety failures inside Melrose Prison, where allegations of drug trafficking and corruption have already surfaced. - A credible investigation could determine whether criminal activity, neglect or abuse contributed to the death, rather than treating it as an isolated incident. - The case also affects whether prisoners at Melrose can safely report what they know without retaliation.

What happened: - Foreign Prisoners Network Mauritius called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the death of 43-year-old Avinash Ramgotee. - The group said the death occurred at Melrose Prison in Mauritius. - The organization framed the case as part of a wider pattern of concern at the prison.

The details: - A government-appointed Board of Inquiry in June 2026 identified serious systemic failures at Melrose Prison, including drug trafficking, alleged corruption, staff shortages, indiscipline, and weaknesses in supervision and medical procedures. - Foreign Prisoners Network said it received information from inmates alleging Ramgotee had accumulated significant debts tied to drugs circulating inside the prison. - Those allegations have not been independently verified and need to be examined through a proper investigation. - Previous testimony before official inquiries has already raised allegations that prohibited drugs, mobile phones and other contraband enter Melrose with the assistance of corrupt prison personnel. - The group called for full disclosure of the autopsy findings. - The group also wants preservation and independent review of CCTV footage. - Foreign Prisoners Network is seeking an investigation into Ramgotee's movements, contacts and financial transactions before his death. - The organization wants investigators to examine drug distribution and debt collection inside Melrose. - The group is also asking for protection for prisoners willing to provide evidence.

Between the lines: - The central issue is not only how Ramgotee died, but whether prison conditions created the environment for the death. - The repeated mentions of drugs, contraband and alleged corruption suggest the prison's internal controls may be failing at multiple points. - The call for witness protection signals that fear of retaliation could keep key information from reaching investigators.

What's next: - Foreign Prisoners Network is urging Mauritian authorities, the Human Rights Commission and independent media to establish what happened. - Any inquiry will need to determine whether criminal activity inside the prison contributed to the death. - The full autopsy review and CCTV examination could become central evidence if authorities open a formal probe.

The bottom line: - Another death at Melrose Prison is now a test of whether Mauritius can investigate alleged prison corruption and protect inmates before more harm is done.