Investigating Officer Vishneel Shankaran was arrested and handed over to FICAC during a court sitting this morning for allegedly demanding money from two sureties.
Sureties David Kumar and James Rattan informed Suva Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning that Shankaran demanded money from them.
Kumar and Rattan said the Investigating Officer demanded money in exchange for removing their names as sureties.
This is because the accused, Krishneel Prasad had a bench warrant against him.
Kumar told the court he could not pay $200 because he had to buy diapers for his mother while Rattan paid $300.
Magistrate Prasad says corruption undermines the wheel of justice and is one of the major problems in Fiji.
He adds that corruption among police officers and the large number of unexecuted warrants remain a serious concern.
Magistrate Prasad then ordered that the officer be detained and arrested for corruption and bribery.
Shankaran was handcuffed in court and handed to FICAC.
Meanwhile, the accused has not been attending his court cases.
Both sureties have been discharged for cooperating with the court.
The substantive matter has been adjourned to October 6th.
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