Veronica Malani’s attorney, Sitiveni Raikanikoda, has been granted a 14-day window to submit an affidavit countering the strike-out application filed by the seventh respondent, former DPP lawyer Neelraj Sharma.
This civil case was addressed in the High Court in Suva before Justice Usaia Ratuvili, concerning a compensation claim totaling $800,244 from 11 individuals involved in the investigation of an alleged bombing incident from 1987, which resurfaced in 2020.
The defendants include both former and current members of the Fiji Police Force, as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions. During the hearing, Mr. Sharma’s attorney, Ronald Singh, informed the court about their request to remove his client from the proceedings. He noted that Mr. Sharma is a former DPP lawyer currently employed with Munroe Leys Lawyers.
Justice Ratuvili instructed Mr. Raikanikoda to address the application and provide any evidence regarding his client’s involvement. Mr. Raikanikoda raised concerns regarding the absence of representation for two defendants, both retired civil servants, specifically former Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and retired Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Crime Biu Matavou.
In response, Justice Ratuvili stated that the Office of the Attorney-General must clarify this issue in the upcoming proceedings. The case is scheduled to continue on October 9.