The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) says it will continue to investigate cases of alleged misuse of Government grants to schools.

It has reminded the schools that strict legal action would be taken, including criminal investigations, against those who allegedly abuse school grants.

The statement follows the laying of charges against the Registrar for the University of Fiji, Kamlesh Arya, for the alleged abuse of office and general dishonesty causing a loss.

Arya appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Count one – Abuse of office

It is alleged that between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014, at Suva, Arya, while being employed as the Registrar at the University of Fiji and acting school manager for Bhawani Dayal Memorial Primary School, in abuse of the authority of his office, authorised loans amounting to $116,500 from the Free Education Grant provided by the Ministry of Education to Bhawani Dayal Memorial.

Count two – General

dishonesty – causing a loss

It is alleged that Arya dishonestly caused a risk of loss to Bhawani Dayal Memorial.

He authorised the Free Education Grants as loans amounting to $116,500 and knowing that the loss would occur to Bhawani Dayal Memorial.

FICAC lawyer Francis Puleiwai served first phase disclosures and asked the court to impose strict bail conditions on Arya.

Mr Somaratne granted Arya a personal bail of $5000 with two sureties who are to sign a surety bond of $5000 each.

His bail conditions are that he is not to offend and he is not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.

He is to report to the FICAC Lautoka office every Monday between 8am and 6pm and he is to surrender all his travel documents.

Arya is represented by lawyer Suresh Chandra.

The case has been adjourned to December 2 for second phase disclosures.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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