The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has discontinued its proceeding against former businessman, Dhansukh Lal Bhika.

Bhika, the former Naboro Mart Limited manager, appeared before the High Court in Suva along with former acting Commissioner of Corrections Service Ifereimi Vasu, and former acting deputy Commissioner of Corrections Service Peniasi Kunatuba on Monday.

Bhika is charged with one count each of aiding and abetting abuse of office and obtaining a financial advantage.

The prosecution decided to discontinue its proceedings against Bhika after his lawyer had made representations for him.

Prosecution lawyer Rashmi Aslam will therefore file a nolle prosequi after which he would file the amended information.

Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza adjourned the case to August 30 for mention.

Charges against Vasu and Kunatuba

Vasu is charged with one count of abuse of office.

It is alleged that whilst being employed as the Fiji Corrections Commissioner and as the director of Naboro Mart Limited, Vasu did arbitrary acts for the purpose of gain, namely facilitating and approving the purchasing of goods to the amount of $131,683 from the company.

This is contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010, the Financial Management Act 2004, the Finance Manual of the Fiji Corrections Service which were acts prejudicial to the rights of the Fijian Government, the Fiji Corrections Service and the approved Government contractors.

The incident allegedly occurred between July 11, 2013 and December 27, 2014.

Kunatuba is charged with one count of abuse of office. It is alleged that between January 31, 2013 and March 7, 2014, Kunatuba approved the purchase of goods to the amount of $54,734 from Naboro Mart Limited contrary to the Procurement Regulations 2010.

Meanwhile, Bhika was alleged to have aided and abetted Vasu between July 11, 2013 and December 27, 2014 while being the manager of Naboro Mart Limited.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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