Court denies bail for court clerk over alleged High Court theft

A court clerk who allegedly conspired with others to commit burglary and theft at the High Court in Lautoka was denied bail today.

Ritnesh Kumar, charged with one count of conspiracy contrary to Section 49(1) of the Crimes Act 2009, appeared before Magistrate Semi Babitu at the Lautoka Magistrate Court.

He was serving as officer in charge, Criminal, at the Lautoka High Court registry.

Defence lawyer Mohammed Yunus applied for bail.

Prosecutor Corporal Nacanieli Lomani opposed bail, saying the accused might interfere with prosecution witnesses. He noted that investigations are ongoing and that other suspects have yet to be arrested.

The charge stems from an alleged conspiracy between the accused and others to commit burglary and theft at the Lautoka High Court.

Police officer Dhiresh Kumar, who is leading the investigation, said the items allegedly stolen from the court safe included cash totaling FJD $45,000, AUD $9,000, USD $1,000, and CAD $300, as well as drugs in the form of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Mr Kumar said the items included one parcel of cocaine, two shampoo bottles containing liquid methamphetamine, and six small plastics containing methamphetamine.

Mr Yunus claimed his client was not taken to Lautoka Aspen-managed Hospital as ordered by the court, but instead was taken to Punjas Health Centre and was not provided with an x-ray.

The accused also claimed that the window glass of his vehicle was damaged after his arrest and requested the court allow him to visit Lautoka Police Station to lodge a complaint.

Magistrate Babitu ordered the police to investigate the matter.

He described the offence as serious, highlighting breaches of security, confidentiality, and trust. He also noted the accused faces a conspiracy charge in connection with the alleged burglary and theft.

The magistrate said the case could have a significant prejudicial effect on any proceedings related to the stolen money and drugs and could have far-reaching consequences on the administration of justice and public confidence.

He ruled that it is in the public interest for the accused to be remanded in custody.

The case has been adjourned to next Monday.