Bus tragedy duo in custody
A BUS driver and a driver of a private car who were involved in an accident which claimed the lives of two students at Lakena, Nausori, have been further remanded in custody.
The bus driver, Shalen Jattan, is charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.
Mr Jattan appeared before magistrate Shageeth Somaratne at the Nausori Magistrates Court yesterday for his bail hearing.
The court was told he had to be released on bail because of his health status.
Mr Jattan had sustained serious injuries after the accident and was admitted in hospital for a day before he was taken in for questioning.
His counsel Shonal Kant said he was allegedly assaulted by other remandees while he was in police custody.
Ms Kant said he was the breadwinner and had no previous convictions.
Mr Somaratne told her to file a police complaint at the Nausori Police Station regarding the alleged assault incident.
He said he would deliver his ruling today.
Meanwhile, the driver of a private car alleged to be involved in the accident has been advised to file a proper bail application.
Eremasi Tikomailautoka is charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.
The alleged incident took place last week on Wednesday.
He will reappear in court on Friday.