Magistrate Puamau remands Kishore Kumar and will send his file for psychiatric evaluation

Magistrate Seini Puamau told the court today that she will be sending Kishore Kumar’s files to the Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola for orders for a psychiatrist’s evaluation.

Kumar is charged with allegedly making false porn video claims on his facebook page, Kishore Kumar Publications against Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua in 2020.

Magistrate Puamau says Kumar had promised in court in his bail conditions that he would appear in court every time his case is called however, he breached his orders as he did not attend his last case whereby a bench warrant was also issued against him.

However, Kumar told the court that he was unable to attend his last case because he was sick and was on a liquid diet.

He says he could not communicate well and was given a medical report, a police report and a medical sick-sheet.

DPP Moira Konrote agreed in court that they had verified that Kumar was given a sicksheet which was valid till the 2nd of March.

Magistrate Puamau also says that Kumar is further remanded in custody to ensure that he does not breach his bail conditions further.

Kumar argued in court that he had produced the police report, medical report, the medical sick sheet and had attended all his other cases on time.

Kumar says he is being victimised because of his medical status and whether the Magistrate was challenging the doctor's report.

Magistrate Puamau says she accepts his medical reports however, that is not enough and Kumar cannot pick and choose when he can come to court.

Kumar will reappear in court next Wednesday.

The trial will continue from 20th to 23rd May.