Man in Court for Alleged $50 Scam

A man charged for deceiving a shopkeeper to gain an extra $50 will appear for his bail hearing at the Labasa Magistrates Court today.
Ram Dutt Maharaj, who is charged with one count of obtaining financial advantage by deception, appeared before Magistrate Thushara Thennakoon yesterday.
Representing Maharaj was Kohli and Singh Associates lawyer, Reema Raj, who told the court that she was appearing for the bail hearing only.
Ms Raj said that her client resided in Lautoka with seven children and was in Labasa for a wedding.
She said the accused needed to return to the West to look after his children and if he could be released on strict bail conditions.
Police Prosecutor Laniana Musuqawa said they strongly objected to bail as Maharaj had similar a case in Lautoka.
She added that they also had strong evidence against him as he was captured in a video during the alleged offence.
It is alleged that the accused had deceived a shopkeeper in Lajonia, Labasa to get an extra $50 on Tuesday.
Magistrate Thennakoon ordered that the accused be further remanded in custody and to appear today for his bail hearing.