Mother Admits to Burning Baby, Prosecutor Tells Court
A24-year-old mother charged with one count of infanticide has been remanded by the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday. The suspect Neha Rukshar Ali appeared before Magistrate Siromi Turaga.
The accused was represented by Legal Aid lawyer Mudu Naivalu.
Police prosecutor Inspector Parmesh Chand represented the State. The court heard that on June 18 in Nadi, by a wilful act or omission Ali allegedly caused the death of her child under the age of 12 months.
In a bail application Mr Naivalu told the court that the accused lived with her elderly parents and a twoyear old-daughter.
The only sureties were her parents who were present in court.
Inspector Chand objected to bail. He said the case was of public interest.
“The seriousness of the offence carries a penalty of 25 years imprisonment. It is a new born baby. In the caution interview, the accused admitted she placed the baby in the bucket and set fire to the baby,” Inspector Chand told the court. He added if the accused was granted bail it was likely she would interfere with State witnesses who were her neighbours.
“The accused has a two-year-old daughter who can be looked after by her parents. She has admitted visiting night clubs on certain occasions and during that time the child was with her parents.” Magistrate Turaga declined bail. He said, “due to the seriousness and the circumstances of the offence, this is an indictable offence.” The case was transferred to the High Court where a fresh bail application could be made.
The accused has been remanded in custody and the case adjourned to July 4 at the High Court in Lautoka. Edited by Percy Kean
The accused has a twoyear-old daughter who can be looked after by her parents. She has admitted visiting night clubs on certain occasions and during that time the child was with her parents Inspector Parmesh Chand Police prosecutor