The shooting of 27-year-old Élodie Thomas triggered widespread unrest across Mauritius, prompting an overnight curfew and an investigation into police conduct. The young mother is now making encouraging progress in her recovery.
Mauritius was plunged into days of unrest after Élodie Thomas, a 27-year-old supermarket employee and mother of a two-year-old girl, was critically injured by a gunshot while returning home from work on Friday 9 October 2026.
At around 11.30pm, the van carrying workers encountered a road obstructed by debris in Camp-Levieux, amid tensions over water shortages.
According to the driver, Tirvassen Soobrayen, a police sergeant stopped the vehicle, pointed a firearm at his head and threatened him. The driver alleged that he fled and heard a gunshot after travelling approximately 50 to 100 metres. The bullet reportedly passed through the rear window before striking Élodie in the jaw and neck. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Élodie was rushed to Victoria hospital in critical condition. On Saturday 10 October 2026, police sergeant Gautam Singh Taukoor, 57 years, was arrested and appeared before the Bail and Remand Court.
As public concern intensified, President Dharambeer Gokhool appealed for calm. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam condemned the incident, assuring the public that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would be investigated and promising that there would be no cover-up. Amid the unfolding crisis, he also cancelled a planned visit to Rodrigues.
On Monday 12 October, medical specialists from India arrived to assist their Mauritian counterparts. Élodie was transferred to Dr A. G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis, where she underwent a delicate operation to remove the bullet lodged near vital structures in her neck and jaw. The operation was successful.
Following consultations with the Director of Public Prosecutions, two provisional charges were endorsed against the sergeant: using a firearm to intimidate the van’s driver and causing involuntary wounds and blows to Élodie. Three other officers present at the scene were suspended amid allegations that they had failed to assist an injured person.
Meanwhile, public anger over the shooting, compounded by frustration over water shortages and the cost of living, escalated into widespread disturbances. Roads were blocked, clashes broke out between protesters and police, private property was damaged and several police stations were vandalised, while some were even set ablaze. Shops were reportedly looted, while schools, examinations and public transport were disrupted.
The government imposed an overnight curfew from Tuesday evening, 13 October, until the morning of Friday, 16 October. The curfew was lifted after authorities reported that the situation was under control. About 100 people were arrested for breaching the curfew order, including four women and 16 minors.
Amid the turmoil, Élodie’s recovery has brought welcome news. She regained consciousness following surgery and subsequently showed encouraging signs of improvement.
Health Minister Anil Baichoo announced on Thursday 15 October 2026 that Élodie was now able to walk with the support of a walking frame and drink by mouth. She was also moving both her arms and legs well, marking significant progress given the severity of her injuries and the complexity of the surgery. The minister expressed gratitude to the Mauritian and Indian medical teams for their dedication and care.
The investigation, meanwhile, continues. Director of Public Prosecutions Rashid Ahmine has indicated that a judicial inquiry could be considered if sufficient progress is not made. The provisional charges are not convictions
and the allegations must be determined through the legal process.
What began as a journey home from work has become a national crisis, leaving Mauritius awaiting answers about the shooting, the unrest and the accountability of those entrusted with protecting the public. For Élodie’s family, however, her latest progress brings renewed hope.