Two individuals implicated in an alleged tender scam worth $1.6 million have been granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has charged Ripon Baral with one count of Abuse of Office, while Ravnil Chand is facing one count of Bribery.
The allegations stem from actions taken between October 5, 2017, and January 15, 2018, during which Baral, serving as the Manager Project Control at the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), reportedly failed to disclose a conflict of interest in the awarding of a contract to Lomanitoba Company Limited, where Chand is said to be a director. Further allegations indicate that during this same timeframe, Chand, in his role as director of the company, allegedly offered Baral $1.6 million as an inducement for an official act related to the FRA.
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Josann Pene informed Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele that the prosecution would not oppose bail but requested strict conditions given the serious nature of the charges. Consequently, each accused was granted bail on a non-cash bond of $5,000, contingent upon several conditions. These include attending all court hearings, not committing any further offenses while on bail, not altering their residential addresses without court approval, surrendering their passports, and staying within the country. Additionally, the Magistrate prohibited the accused from applying for new passports if their current ones are expired.
The two men provided two sureties each, which the court accepted. The case has been adjourned for mention on January 30, 2026, to confirm the second phase disclosures. Both accused are represented by lawyer Hemendra Nagin, while Ms. Pene represents FICAC.
This development highlights ongoing efforts by FICAC to uphold accountability and integrity in public office, aiming to cultivate trust in governmental operations. As the case proceeds through the legal system, it stands as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct within public service roles.
Leave a comment