No pressure on murder accused, says investigating officer
The Criminal Investigating officer Maha Ram, who led investigations into a Samabula murder on November 1, 2009, told the High Court yesterday that they did not put pressure on the accused during his caution interview. Mr Ram gave evidence before Justice Vinsent Perera during day two of the trial. Accused Imshad Ali, 38, is alleged to have murdered his de facto partner Rajeshni Deo Sharma, 34, in their Samabula home. Ms Sharma was employed as a Kindergarten teacher when the alleged incident happened.
During cross examination by defence lawyer Abhay Singh, it was put to Mr Ram that he forced Ali to cooperate with him and confess to a crime that he did not commit.
Mr Ram responded saying that was not right. He testified that the accused was kept in custody on November 13, 2009, but he could not recall if he was wearing the same clothes the next day.
Mr Ram said he informed the Samabula Police Station orderly to allow visitors to see Ali in his cell when they visit him. Mr Singh asked Mr Ram if the same directive was entered into the Station Diary to which he said it was not.
Trial continues in the Suva High Court today.
The accused has been remanded in custody.
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Meli Vosawale is prosecuting the case. Edited by Percy Kean