The Suva Magistrate’s Court has postponed the sentencing of former Post Fiji CEO Anirudha Bansod to August 7. Bansod appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad with his lawyer Devanesh Sharma, while the prosecution was represented by Arieta Vaganalau.
Magistrate Prasad requested additional clarification on certain issues and directed the parties to concentrate on the conflict of interest as the primary concern.
Sharma contended that the submitted bid was fair and any conflict of interest was merely perceived rather than actual, asserting that Bansod had no role in the selection of the tender awardee. Conversely, Vaganalau argued that there indeed was a conflict of interest, accusing Bansod of failing to disclose his acquaintance with the bidders.
Magistrate Prasad emphasized that he would not expedite the sentencing process. He directed both parties to prepare and present their submissions within the next seven days before the court reaches a verdict.
Bansod is accused of making false declarations concerning confidentiality and conflict of interest regarding the tender for the design, development, and implementation of the Post Fiji Mobile Application in 2022.