Defence Seek Time in Maharaj’s Case

Defence lawyer Nancy Choo has sought more time to obtain documents from Jiten Reddy in the case of former chief executive Officer of the Fiji Commerce Commission.

Ms Choo informed the court that Bobby Maharaj had just appointed her as his lawyer and she has yet to obtain all the documents such as agreed facts and pre-trial conference documents.

The matter was called before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa at the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has charged Maharaj with abuse of office.

It is alleged that Maharaj while being employed by the FCC in abuse of authority directed an employee of the FCC, without conducting an inspection to fill in false information to indicate an inspection was conducted of a trader and a verbal warning was issued against the trader for breaches under the Commerce Commission decree.

The case has been adjourned to October 30, for mention.

JESSICA SAVIKE

Stepfather charged for rape has bail extended

A 38-year-old stepfather charged with four counts of rape had his bail extended by the Suva High Court yesterday.

The matter was heard before Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.

State lawyer Eoghan Samisoni informed the court that they will be calling four witnesses however defence lawyer Namrata Mishra said that they will be calling eight witnesses.

The victim is his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

The alleged incident occurred between March 17, 2017 and April 13, 2017 at Levuka.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge and the trial date is set from November 20, 2017 to December 1, 2017.

The case has been adjourned to November 3, for mention.

Jessica Savike

State to Confirm Position on Dalituicama’s Bail

State lawyer Moumita Chowdhury has sought more time to confirm the state’s position for the bail application for a man charged with aggravated robbery.

Aca Dalituicama with others is alleged to have stolen cash and assorted items to the total value of $2059.

The matter was called before Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinge.

Dalituicama is represented by defence lawyer Namrata Mishra.

The alleged offence occurred on July 23, 2017.

The case has been adjourned to September 25, for mention.

Jessica Savike

Stepdad’s trial fixed

A man charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault of his 19-year-old stepdaughter had his trial date set from October 23 to October 27, this year.

The matter was heard before Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the Suva High Court yesterday.

State lawyer Eoghan Samisoni informed the court that he will be calling five witnesses and will not be using the caution interview statement.

Defence lawyer Christina Choy informed the court that the accused will be the only person giving evidence.

The alleged incident occurred between January 1, 2010 and March 26, 2017.

Jessica Savike

Alleged rapist’s health keeps him away

A man charged for rape of a 28-year-old woman will have his trial from October 30 to November 1.

Defence lawyer Namrata Mishra informed the court that Adhi Narayan Naidu, 44, did not wish to give evidence through Skype as he is ill and finds it difficult to speak.

Ms Mishra further told the court that the doctor has recommended 15 days of bed rest with no other medication prescribed to him. It has also been stated by Ms Mishra that Naidu may require surgery if his condition does not get better.

The alleged offence occurred on June 25, 2015.

State lawyer Eoghan Samisoni informed the court that he will only be calling one witness.

The case has been adjourned to October 20, for mention.

Jessica Savike