Three officers suspended, investigated after 'King Khan' case dismissed

Three police officers have been interdicted and are under investigation after failing to appear in court, resulting in the dismissal of a drug case against Imran Khan, also known as "King Khan".

The officers failed to attend the trial despite being summoned to give evidence, leaving the prosecution unable to proceed.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu had interdicted the three officers and directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate their non-attendance.

"The three were interdicted, with Internal Affairs directed to investigate their non-attendance," Ms Naisoro said.

The case against Khan was dismissed by the Nasinu Magistrates Court last Friday after three of the five prosecution witnesses failed to appear. Bench warrants were issued for the absent officers before the matter was dismissed under Section 166(2)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Khan was accused of unlawful possession of illicit drugs after he was allegedly found with 3.49 grams of methamphetamine in 2021.

However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed the matter is not over and is reviewing the case with a view to refiling the charge.

"The ODPP has communicated with the prosecution witnesses and is reviewing the matter to re-charge the accused."

The ODPP said criminal trials relied heavily on prosecution witnesses attending court and that cases could be significantly affected when witnesses failed to appear.

It said the State remained committed to ensuring witnesses were properly summoned and that witness conferences were held before trial to help present evidence effectively.

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