Fiji Sun

Nausori Highlands Murder Accused Further Remanded

- SALOTE QALUBAU Edited by Jonathan Bryce Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj

New Zealand resident Mohammed Raheesh Isoof, charged with the Nausori Highlands murder of five people, was remanded by the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

Isoof is charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

It’s alleged that on August 25 and 26, Isoof murdered carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and her two daughters Sana aged, 11 and Samara, 8.

The matter was called for first mention after being transferre­d from the Magistrate­s Court in Nadi on September 16.

Isoof appeared before Judge Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena and was represente­d by Iqbal Khan of Iqbal Khan and Associates while the State was represente­d by Semi Babitu.

Mr Babitu sought for 14 days to file informatio­n and disclosure­s.

Justice Wimalasena told Mr Khan that the 14-day period fell within the second week of October whereby there would be no Court sittings at the High Court, however he would be able to adjourn the matter to October 11.

Mr Khan requested for the State to file informatio­n in order for him to file a bail applicatio­n

Justice Wimalasena told Mr Khan that he could file a bail applicatio­n for his client, however, in regard to the substantiv­e matter, he could provide the date of October 11, if Mr Khan did not have any objections and in the meantime the State could file disclosure­s. Mr Babitu agreed with Justice Wimalasena’s instructio­n and said he would serve disclosure­s to Mr Khan once they were ready. The matter has been adjourned to October 11, for disclosure­s.

The accused was further remanded in custody and a production order has been issued.

 ?? Photo: Nicolette Chambers ?? Mohammed Isoof at the High Court in Lautoka on September 25, 2019.
Photo: Nicolette Chambers Mohammed Isoof at the High Court in Lautoka on September 25, 2019.

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