A religious boarding school in Mauritius has imploded amid serious criminal allegations. Twaha Academy in Bel Air now stands leaderless after its principal and chairman were stripped of their positions and spiritual authority within days of each other.
The institution that once prided itself on moral education has become the focal point of a police manhunt, international religious condemnation, and community outrage over claims involving vulnerable children.
Leadership Stripped Of Authority
The academy board issued a formal statement on April 4 confirming that Principal Azhar Peerbocus was removed from all duties on March 30 following serious allegations. The board admitted they had appointed him based on what they believed were impeccable credentials, stating they had acted in good faith when entrusting him with the institution.
Simultaneously, Maulana Akhtar Hussein Luckheea, the school chairman, faced his own reckoning from religious authorities in India.
Syed Muhammad Noorani Ashrafi ul Jeelani Ashrafi, President of the Ashrafi Chishti Association of Mauritius, revoked Luckheea spiritual authorization on April 2, citing serious concerns about conduct, integrity, and suitability.
“The decision was based on serious allegations and matters concerning the conduct, integrity, and suitability of the individual.”
Social Media Amplifies Disturbing Claims
While Peerbocus currently faces formal police depositions for ill-treatment of a child, online communities have pushed further accusations into the public domain. Independent investigators reportedly hold footage and audio recordings that allegedly capture a religious figure attempting to groom and silence a minor.
In the recordings, an adult male allegedly offers one thousand rupees to secure a child’s silence while explicitly instructing the minor to deceive authorities.
“offering a bribe of 1,000 rupees to ensure a child’s silence, while explicitly instructing the minor to lie to authorities”
International Manhunt Underway
Channelnews and local sources indicate Peerbocus has reportedly fled to South Africa, transforming a domestic investigation into an international pursuit. Legal analysts suggest that under the Child Protection Act and Section 249 of the Criminal Code, conviction could result in fines reaching one hundred thousand rupees and imprisonment extending to twenty years.
The Ahlus Sunnah Media Network confirmed that Pir Mufti Mohamed Akbar Hazarvi of Pretoria has formally rescinded all spiritual authorizations previously granted to Peerbocus.
Darul Uloom Pretoria moved swiftly to address speculation about harboring the suspect.
“entirely false and unsubstantiated”
Hafez Ismail Hazarvi, Deputy Principal, emphasized that the institution opposes any conduct contradicting Shariah and supports full legal accountability. Twaha Academy has retained Maître Assad Peeroo for legal guidance, though the attorney has publicly condemned the alleged acts and clarified he will not defend the accused, focusing instead on supporting affected families.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Peerbocus whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.