Defendant in Nausori Highlands case told to file submissions over bail

The Court of Appeal has ordered appellant counsel, Iqbal Khan, to file written submissions in the next seven days in the Nausori Highlands murder case.

This is after appellant, Muhammad Raheesh Isoof, was refused bail by the High Court in Lautoka.

Isoof is charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder at Nausori Highlands in Nadi last year.

The case was called before Court of Appeal Judge Justice Chandana Prematilaka yesterday.

He is in remanded at the Natabua Remand Centre, but was not brought in for the appeal case.

Isoof is charged with the murder of Nirmal Kumar, 63, Usha Devi, 54, Nileshni Kajal, 34, Sanah Singh, 11, and Samarah Singh, eight.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of 11 month-old toddler Samaira Kumar.

The alleged incidents occurred on August 26, last year at Nausori Highlands.

Justice Prematilaka granted time and ordered the appellant to file the written submissions on or before May 25.

He ordered the respondent State to file its written response on or before June 17.

The matter will be called for mention on June 17.

ASHNA KUMAR