62-year-old Muhammad Raheesh Isoof who is charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder has been further remanded in custody by the Lautoka High Court while the prosecutor revealed in court today that they need time as pesticide residue was found in the victims' bodies.
This is in relation to the alleged murder of the three adults and two children in the Nausori Highlands last month.
The bodies of the family members were found in the Nausori Highlands on the 26th of August.
The bodies were of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
A 1-year-old child was found crawling nearby.
She is the late Nileshni's niece.
Her mother lives in Australia.
Isoof is a holder of permanent residency in New Zealand.
The prosecution asked for further time to file the information as they are awaiting the post mortem report from the pathologist.
Isoof’s lawyer Iqbal Khan objected to the state asking for further time as he says the post mortem was done ages ago.
Khan says Isoof was charged based on the report for five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
He adds this is delaying tactics.
State lawyer, Semi Babitu says they are waiting for the report from the pathologist as it will indicate as to how the victims died.
He adds the toxicology report shows there was the presence of pesticide residue.
He says this is a serious matter and the state should be given sufficient time.
The court has granted state 14 days.
The case has been adjourned to the 25th of this month while the bail matter in the case will be called on the 18th of this month.
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