Government MP Sharma Bailed With Strict Conditions for Allegedly Assaulting Wife
Sharma was also ordered to follow an interim restraining order issued with standard and non-molestation conditions.
Wednesday 03 June 2020 | 11:33
Government MP Rohit Ritesh Sharma (left), with wife outside the Nasinu Magistrates Court on June 2, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Government Member of Parliament, Rohit Ritesh Sharma, who allegedly assaulted his wife was yesterday bailed with strict conditions.
Sharma was issued a restraining order, warned not to re-offend while on bail and ordered to surrender his travel documents.
Sharma, 41, appeared before Magistrate Sofia Hamza at the Nasinu Magistrates Court.
Related stories
He is charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
He is alleged to have assaulted his wife causing her harm on May 31, at Davuilevu in Nakasi.
Sharma was also ordered to follow an interim restraining order issued with standard and non-molestation conditions.
What happened in court?
Police prosecutor Gajendra Prasad told the court that he had served the accused with full phase of disclosures and that they did not object to bail.
However, Mr Prasad said the accused had to present cash bail bond, two suitable sureties, reporting conditions and to surrender his travel documents.
Defence lawyer Jitend Reddy told the court that Sharma was ready with two sureties, who were his cousins.
The sureties both sworn on the Holy Ramayan and ensured the court that they would oblige by their duties as the sureties.
Magistrate Hamza granted bail to Sharma and ordered him to pay a cash bail of $1000.
She ordered the two sureties to sign a bail bond of $500 each.
Magistrate Hamza also ordered Sharma to surrender all his travel documents and passport to the Nasinu Court registry immediately after the case.
She also ordered Sharma not to interfere with the prosecution witnesses nor to reoffend while on bail.
Magistrate Hamza initially ordered Sharma to report to the Nakasi Police Station every Saturday.
However, Mr Reddy told the court that the accused was a Member of Parliament and had meetings on Saturdays to attend due to his work portfolio.
In reply, Magistrate Hamza said she did not want to know what the accused did for a living.
She then ordered Sharma to report to the Nakasi Police Station every Sunday between 8am and 5pm.
Outside court
Outside court, Mr Reddy said the complainant had written a withdrawal statement to submit to the Police. However, it was not accepted as Sharma was charged for the alleged offence.
Mr Reddy also said that he would make legal submissions for representation to the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw the case.
The case was adjourned to October 13 for a plea.
Edited by Caroline Ratucadra
Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
