A university student who allegedly caused the death of a reservations manager on Sunday was bailed by the Lautoka Magistrates Court yesterday.

Alvish Anshal Kumar, 19, who was residing at Kermode Road in Lautoka but is from Tabataba in Ba, is charged with dangerous driving that led to the death of Maria Penjueli, and the failure to comply with requirements following an accident.

It is alleged that Kumar fled the scene after the accident.

Kumar’s lawyer Jasveel Singh told the court during his bail applications that Kumar had surrendered himself to the Lautoka Police Station at about 8am on Sunday morning after the accident, he is a second year student of the University of Fiji pursuing a Bachelor of Commercial Technology, and was also about to sit for his exams, which starts today.

Mr Singh also submitted that Kumar was a first offender, and if granted bail he would reside with his parents in Ba and not interfere with witnesses.

Police prosecutor Constable Theodore Liew opposed bail because Police were aware of threats allegedly made by the victim’s family.

Constable Liew also said a life was lost and the case was of national interest.

Magistrate Kashyapa Wickramanasekara concurred with the Mr Singh and in allowing bail, Magistrate Wickramanasekara imposed a travel ban with a $2000 bond.

Kumar was ordered not to leave Viti Levu, to report to the Ba Police Station every Friday between 8am and 5pm, not to offend nor interfere with witnesses.

Kumar’s father, who was also present in court, was told to be a further surety on the same amount.

The case was adjourned to June 22 for mention.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj