Two groups of people appeared in court for allegedly gathering and drinking alcohol

Two groups of people appeared before Magistrate Deepika Prakash for allegedly gathering and drinking alcohol.

One of the groups consisted of two company directors, Rodney Raghwan and Mohammed Faizal Khan and a Secretary of the Chairman of a major company Rajesh Kumar.

It is alleged that these three accused, a taxi driver Roshan Ali and his wife Ranjita Sharma were drinking alcohol at a house in Allardyce Road in Suva on Monday.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Ravi Narayan objected to bail and told the court that the nation is going through a crisis and the curfew has been in place for the past 3 weeks.

Sergeant Narayan says with all the measures in place, people still appear in court for similar offences and approving bail will open the floodgates for this type of offence.

Mohammed Faizal Khan and Rodney Raghwan’s lawyer told the court that Raghwan had gone to Allardyce Road on Monday and arrived at 4.30pm to inspect the works being carried out as he owns the property.

Mohammed Faizal Khan, Rodney Raghwan and Rajesh Kumar have been ordered to pay $2,000 each while Roshan Ali and his wife Ranjita Sharma have been ordered to pay $500 each before close of business today.

The case has been adjourned to the 22nd of June.

The other group of 6 people which includes a school teacher had all pleaded guilty. The 6 have been fined $1,000 each. They have to pay the fine wthin 30 days or spend 100 days in prison.

They were drinking in a house in Nabua on Monday.

These six include Tuimoala Kotobalavu, Joni Ravuga, Setefano Temo, Vilivo Bibi, Savenaca Vakasesei and Vereti Wailetu.