High Court gives time for Prakash’s lawyer to analyse movement chart

Suva High Court Judge Justice Thushara Kumarage has given time for the defence to analyse the movement chart that FICAC wants to produce as evidence in the case of former MP Vijendra Prakash.

Prakash is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Waidracia, Vunidawa, Nubuni, Naluwai, and Naitasiri, and allegedly obtained $33,670 in parliamentary allowances between August 2019 and March 2020.

FICAC has charged Prakash with one count each of false information to a public servant and obtaining financial advantage.

FICAC had called Milika Cakacaka, the lead investigator for FICAC in Prakash's case, as their witness to provide her analysis of the case.

When FICAC lawyer Ashish Nand wanted to table Cakacaka’s analysis as evidence in court, defence lawyer Siddarth Nandan objected to it, saying that the documents were only given to them this morning, and they need time to have a qualified analyst to analyse this.

Nand told the High Court that the movement chart is to clearly explain to the court the evidence they had already produced.

Nandan said he cannot cross-examine the witness because he needs a qualified analyst to look at this document and see if proper procedures were followed.

Justice Thushara ruled in favour of the defence and told the prosecution that what they did this morning was not right because time should be given to the defence to make their case so they can cross-examine the witness.

Earlier today, the High Court of Anti-Corruption Division heard from the Manager Finance Parliament Narayan Saruwesh that he has been assisting MPs in filling their claims form.

While being cross-examined by Nandan, Saruwesh told the court that Prakash came to his office and asked him to fill his form for him and Prakash provided his details.

Justice Thushara questioned the witness if he had assisted other MPs fill their forms, and Saruwesh confirmed he has, saying that it was their responsibility to assist the MPs as they come under the Parliament Secretary-General’s office.

The trial will continue at 9am Wednesday.