44 year old Munesh Goundar who allegedly stabbed his partner and set fire to the home they were occupying in Saweni, Lautoka on Sunday morning, has been remanded in custody.
Goundar appeared in the Lautoka Magistrates Court this afternoon, charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of arson and three counts of damaging property.
Divisional Legal Officer Western ASP Mohammed Harif appeared for the prosecution, while Goundar appeared in person.
ASP Harif objected to bail and informed the court that the accused has been charged with a very serious offence.
He also told the court that if bailed, the accused is likely to skip bail and interfere with the prosecution witnesses.
ASP Harif also made an application for the matter to be transferred to the High Court.
The court also refused Goundar’s bail application.
The court was told that in the early hours of Sunday, the accused allegedly stabbed his 37-year-old defacto partner after a drinking party. Later he set fire to the house where the victim was staying.
After setting the fire, the accused escaped with his two sons, aged 2 years and 5 years, leaving the victim behind.
Goundar was arrested on Sunday at Field 4, Lautoka.
The case will be called again on the 6th of next month.
