Lami Arson And Murder Accused Appears In Court
Rai was given his right to legal counsel, which he opted to seek representation from a private counsel.
Thursday 30 July 2020 | 09:42
Accused Arvind Chand Rai, 43, outside the Magistrates Court in Suva on July 29, 2020 Photo: Ashna Kumar
Magistrate Joseph Daurewa has transferred the case of a 43-year-old carpenter, facing arson and murder charges, to the High Court in Suva.
Arvind Chand Rai appeared at the Magistrates Court in Suva yesterday. Rai is charged with one count each of arson and charged with the murder of a 35-year-old woman.
The alleged incident occurred in Lami last Wednesday on July 22.
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The deceased was found unconscious by National Fire Authority officers when attending to a report of a fire at the deceased’s residence. The post mortem examination findings ruled the deceased’s death was an alleged case of murder.
Rai was given his right to legal counsel, which he opted to seek representation from a private counsel.
Police prosecutor Constable Sanil Kumar served the accused with the first phase of disclosures.
He also told the court that Rai was charged with murder and arson which were indictable offences. Magistrate Daurewa said the offences Rai was facing carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He agreed with prosecution that the offences were indictable and said the Magistrates Court did not have any jurisdiction to trial the nature of offences Rai faced.
The matter will be called on August 12.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
