Former court clerk charged with corruption related offences by FICAC has been granted bail

Keven Chand is charged with one count of soliciting and accepting an advantage by FICAC.

It is alleged that Chand between the 1st of September 2017 to the 31st of October 2017 while being employed as an assistant court officer at the Judicial Department in Suva without general or special permission of the appointing authority solicited and accepted an advantage of $1,600.

Chief Magistrate Ratuvili also refused a name suppression order application made by defence today saying that there were no compelling reasons given for the application.

Reasons for name suppression submitted by defence was that Chand’s wife who is pregnant is suffering from depression and that the allegations made on Chand may become detrimental to her health.

The defence also submitted that Chand has elderly grandparents whose health may also be affected by this allegation.

Responding to the name suppression application, FICAC stated that they strongly object to the application.

FICAC said that this application was made on the basis to avoid embarrassment by the current situation.

Chand has to report to the Nausori Police Station every Saturday.

The case has been adjourned to the 9th of October for plea to be taken.