Alleged admissions at centre of Sundar murder case

Alleged admissions by murder accused Charles Sundar are at the centre of a legal challenge as the State seeks more time to provide disclosures to the defence.

Sundar and his Legal Aid Commission lawyer Timoci Varinava appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva today.

The State is relying on the alleged admissions in relation to the incident at Lutu Village, Wainibuka, in 2025, while the defence is challenging their admissibility through a voir dire.

State prosecutor Livai Tuvuiya told the court the prosecution was still preparing the disclosures and sought seven days to serve them on the defence.

Sundar has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder.

It is alleged that on July 12, 2025, at Navokadamu Settlement in Lutu, Wainibuka, Sundar used a cane knife to strike his grandfather, causing serious injuries that later led to his death.

It is further alleged that he then dismembered the body and placed it in a sack.

The alleged admissions relate to the incident and form part of the State’s case.

A recent psychiatric assessment found Sundar fit to stand trial.

He was further remanded and will next appear in court on September 1.