Alleged murder trial vacated pending psychiatric report
Kumar, who faces one count of murder, is alleged to have killed Sharuf Shakir Khan at an apartment complex in Suva on July 7 last year.
Monday 16 February 2026 | 20:30
The High Court in Suva has vacated the trial date for alleged murderer Rihaal Kumar pending a psychiatric report from Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital.
Kumar, who faces one count of murder, is alleged to have killed Sharuf Shakir Khan at an apartment complex in Suva on July 7 last year.
He failed to appear before Justice Daniel Goundar when the matter was called yesterday morning. He was later produced at the Suva Magistrates Court.
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The court was informed, through correspondence from the hospital, that Kumar’s psychiatric report was not yet ready. The psychiatrist previously handling his assessment, Doctor Kiran Gaikwad, had returned to her home country.
Acting Medical Superintendent Doctor Sheetal Singh requested more time to assess Kumar before a report could be filed and served on the court.
Defence lawyer Robert Bancod of Millbrook Hills Lawyers said he last met Kumar last month but was unaware of the specific treatment he was receiving.
The matter has been adjourned to March 16.
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