Ex-soldier appeals against attempted murder conviction

Former soldier Rajiv Krishnan Padyachi, 29, who was jailed for life for attempting to murder his former partner appealed against his conviction yesterday. Padyachi was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after the High Court in Suva ruled that he had attempted to drown his 35-year-old partner while swimming in 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. Padyachi has been sentenced to imprisonment for life, subject to him being eligible for consideration of pardon after serving 15 years of imprisonment.The case was called at Fiji Court of Appeal before Justice Chandana Prematilaka.

The lawyer who appeared on the instructions of Vijay Naidu and Associates was ordered to decide whether to go with the grounds of appeal filed by the previous lawyer or if they intend to file an amended grounds of appeal, including written submissions.

The appellant’s lawyer will have to file their written submissions and amended grounds of appeal, if any, by July 22. The Director of Public Prosecutions, is to file written submissions by August 19. The case was adjourned to August 19 for mention.