Veronica Malani is demanding over $800 million in compensation from 11 individuals involved in the investigation of the alleged 1987 bombing case in 2020.
The defendants in this civil matter include members of the Fiji Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecutions, such as:
– Fiji Police Commissioner,
– Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde,
– Former Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu,
– Former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum,
– Former Acting Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu,
– Retired Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) Crime, Biu Matavou,
– Former DPP lawyer, Neelraj,
– Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director, Mesake Waqa,
– Former Police Inspector and team leader of the 1987 bombing investigation team, Esili Nadolo,
– Former Police Inspector and team member of the 1987 bombing investigation, Rupeni Taoka,
– Former Police officer, Makelesi Ranadi.
The case was brought before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva.
Malani is accusing them of misfeasance, willful police misconduct, abuse of office, and discrimination. She claims that during the investigation, the police failed to conduct a thorough, fair, non-biased, non-discriminatory, and comprehensive inquiry, even though they had four credible witnesses. She also alleges that the police declared there was insufficient evidence and failed to interview the suspect at that time, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum.
During the court proceeding, Malani, representing herself, requested more time to find a lawyer, as she was the one who had filed the case. With no objections from the defense, Justice Ratuvili adjourned the case to August 7 to allow her more time to secure legal representation.