Woman remanded over fatal Christmas Eve fire
State alleges fire followed failed property deal
Friday 31 July 2026 | 13:00
Accused Reena Devi Chand is escorted by a police officer outside the High Court in Suva on July 31, 2026.
Photo: Rariqi Turner
A 48-year-old woman charged with murder over a fatal Christmas Eve fire in Samabula has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Suva.
Reena Devi Chand appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar this morning for her first appearance in the High Court since being charged.
The State alleges Chand deliberately set fire to a block of flats on Levuka Street, Samabula, on Christmas Eve last year after becoming unhappy over a failed arrangement to purchase the property from her landlord.
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A 19-year-old woman, Sanjeshni Lata, who was inside one of the flats at the time, became trapped in the blaze and died.
The court heard that Ms Lata's partner was not at home when the fire started. The property is owned by Sushila Devi.
Defence lawyer Patrick Kumar informed the court that the defence intends to file a bail application on behalf of Chand.
The matter has been adjourned to September 4.
