A female Indo-Canadian prison guard charged with breach of trust is also being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a prison inmate. Ramandeep Rai (maiden name Bassi), a former correctional officer at North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam, has been accused of breach of trust for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, as well as not reporting contraband. Coquitlam RCMP sent a statement Thursday afternoon announcing two counts had been approved by prosecutors against Rai of Abbotsford on Oct. 15.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

VANCOUVER – A female Indo-Canadian prison guard charged with breach of trust is also being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a prison inmate.

Ramandeep Rai (maiden name Bassi), a former correctional officer at North Fraser Pretrial Centre in Port Coquitlam, has been accused of breach of trust for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate, as well as not reporting contraband.

Coquitlam RCMP sent a statement Thursday afternoon announcing two counts had been approved by prosecutors against Rai of Abbotsford on Oct. 15.

A charge information document obtained from the provincial court registry, dated Sept. 11, details one charge approved against Rai.

The document contains allegations that, from July 14, 2022 to Sept. 29, 2022, Rai “did, in connection with the duties of her office commit fraud or a breach of trust, by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.”

The B.C. Prosecution Service told CBC News a second count was sworn later, alleging “failing to report the existence of contraband and/or facilitating the use and movement of contraband.”

Police say their investigation began in September 2022.

In their statement, they allege the second breach of trust incident took place between Sept. 11, 2022 and Sept. 29, 2022.

Police did issue a second statement Thursday, clarifying the charges are not connected to the escape of convicted murderer Rabih Alkhalil, who broke out of the jail on July 21, 2022, and was arrested three years later in Qatar.

The provincial court registry told CBC News that a first appearance for Rai is set for November.

Police would not say if Rai had been arrested, is in custody or in the community — only that she had been “compelled to appear in court via a summons.”

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, which is responsible for B.C. Corrections, called the charges “deeply disturbing.”

“As soon as potential misconduct came to light, [B.C.] Corrections reported it to law enforcement and launched an internal investigation,” an emailed statement read.

The ministry said it employs 1,300 officers “who serve with integrity and professionalism” and it employs various internal intelligence efforts to find security breaches.

Courtesy CBC News