Prosecutor Luisa Latu has filed an application to consolidate charges and set a single trial date for the three accused individuals involved in the death of John Rusiate in Labasa last year.

Lawyer Amrit Sen, his girlfriend Shumendra Chandra, and Muqtadeer Saif Khaiyum appeared before Judge Justice Gihan Kulatunga at the High Court in Labasa.

The trio faces multiple charges related to a fatal motor vehicle accident on June 5 along the Nasikasika cane access road at Korotari, Labasa.

It is alleged that Sen accidentally reversed his vehicle and ran over his own passenger, the late Rusiate, which resulted in his serious injuries and death.

The charges include murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, acts intended to cause grievous harm, criminal intimidation, assault causing actual bodily harm, and damaging property.

Prosecutor Latu argued that the cases were related offenses stemming from the same accident, and she intended to file for joint charges against all accused persons.

The defense objected to the consolidation, but the judge instructed Latu to file the application despite the objection.

The matter has been adjourned to June 5, 2023, to address the defense’s objection to the consolidation file.

Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj