High Court Judge Justice Sitabaram Pillai Thurairaja said the Director of Public Prosecutions or relevant authorities may look into certain allegations made against some former Ministers in relation to the 2001 Farming Assistance Programme.

While sentencing Dhansukh Lal Bhika and Suliasi Sorovakatini earlier today, the Judge said Sorovakatini’s defence counsel submitted that the programme was a vote buying scam by the political authorities of the day.

Justice Thurairaja said Sorovakatini alleged in court that the then Minister, Apisai Tora and Assistant Minister, Marieta Rigamoto unduly benefitted out of the programme.

He said since there is evidence before the court, the authorities may take the matter further.

But he said it should be mentioned that Sorovakatini had not revealed these facts to the Police during the investigation.


Story by: Vijay Narayan