Trio face kidnapping, assault and criminal intimidation charges

Three people charged in relation to the alleged kidnapping of a 20-year-old woman were granted bail with strict conditions by the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

They appeared before Justice Sunil Sharma.

The accused are Artika Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Ravinal Ravinesh Anand and Sanjay Kumar.

It is alleged that Sharma forced the victim into her vehicle while the three co-accused assaulted a relative who tried to intervene.

The victim allegedly jumped from the moving vehicle and sustained injuries.

Sharma, 25, faces one count of kidnapping, one count of damaging property and one count of an act with intent to cause grievous harm.

The three men are each charged with kidnapping, assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal intimidation.

They are represented by Filimoni Daveta of Daveta Advocates, while Sanjay Kumar is represented by Jitendra Reddy.

Artika Sharma with her husband Ajay Kumar, and their children after being granted bail yesterday at High Court in Lautoka.

Photo: Mereleki Nai

State counsel is Michelle Lomaloma.

The court heard that the alleged incident occurred in Saweni, Lautoka, on February 25.

Proceedings yesterday focused primarily on bail applications and the assessment of sureties for the accused.

Justice Sharma granted bail to Sharma, her husband Ajay Kumar and Anand with strict conditions, including relocation, regular reporting to police and non-interference with witnesses.

The court was satisfied with their sureties after detailed financial and relationship inquiries. Each posted a $1500 bond.

The court also allowed a supervised visit for the couple to collect personal belongings in Saweni.

Sharma and Ajay Kumar will relocate to Nadele, Sabeto, while Anand will relocate to Vatia in Tavua.

Justice Sharma warned them not to go to Saweni or reside there until the proceedings are determined.

He emphasised the need to comply with bail conditions and the responsibilities of sureties to ensure the accused obey court orders.

Prosecution did not object to bail for the three accused.

The fourth accused, Sanjay Kumar, remains in custody due to issues relating to sureties. Substantive matters relating to his bail will be filed on March 23.