Bail for inspector in fatal ride case

A34-year-old Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspector allegedly involved with manslaughter in connection to the death of a woman who fell from a Ferris wheel at the 2023 Fiji Showcase will appear at the High Court in Suva next month.

Ashneel Nath appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne in the Suva Magistrate Court yesterday. He is charged with one count of manslaughter arising from breach of duty.

The case has been transferred to the High Court, where he is expected to appear on November 21, 2025. The charge stems from an incident on June 23, 2023, when a Ferris wheel at the annual event allegedly malfunctioned, causing a 21-year-old woman to fall to her death.

During the proceedings, defence lawyer Kamal Jamnadas argued that the charge was defective, claiming errors in both the English wording and the section of law applied. He said the State prosecution should amend the charge before the case proceeds to the High Court.

Prosecutor Unal Lal responded that the matter would be clarified further once the case reaches the High Court. Mr Lal did not object to bail but requested strict conditions, including a cash bond.

However, Mr Jamnadas argued for a noncash bond, saying his client had fully cooperated with police and voluntarily presented himself when informed of the charge.

One of Nath’s work colleagues, a friend of 15 years, stood as his surety. The court also ordered that his alibi notice be filed with the High Court. The case was adjourned to November 21 at the High Court in Suva. 

Magistrate Somaratne granted Nath bail on the following conditions:

• $1,000 noncash bail bond;
• Two sureties bonded for the same amount;
• Surrender of travel documents
• Stop departure order;
• No interference with state witnesses; and
• No further offences.