Military personnel pleads not guilty to attempted murder

Amilitary personnel charged with one count of attempted murder yesterday pleaded not guilty at the Suva High Court.

Rajiv Padyachi appeared before High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe. Padyachi is alleged to have attempted to drown his partner while swimming in the Colo-i-Suva pool after they agreed to go for an early morning swim on September 15, 2018.

A team of Police officers heard the woman’s cry for help and managed to save her and arrested the accused.

The complainant had sustained injuries during the alleged incident. Padyachi was represented by lawyer Gavin O’Driscoll and the state was represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer Taitusi Tuenuku.

Mr Tuenuku informed the court that they would be relying on the statements in the caution interview. However, he said there were no admissions made.

Mr O’Driscoll had requested for Padyachi and the complainant’s phone recordings for the period of September 15 to September 17.

He also informed the court that he will file a bail variation because the accused is currently signing at the Police Station in Nadi twice a week. He said the variation will be to seek if the accused could sign in once a week.

The matter was adjourned for mention to December 6.

The Padyachi’s bail was extended.

Padyachi is alleged to have attempted to drown his partner while swimming in the Colo-i-Suva pool after they agreed to go for an early morning swim on September 15, 2018.