Two men who were charged in relation to an alleged tender scam have been granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court.
Ripon Baral is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of abuse of office, while Ravnil Chand faces one count of bribery.
It is alleged that between 5th October 2017 and 15th January 2018, while employed as Manager Project Control at the Fiji Roads Authority, Baral failed to declare his conflict of interest in the awarding of an FRA contract to Lomanitoba Company Limited, of which Chand is the director.
FICAC further alleges that between 4th January 2017 and 15th January 2018, Chand, in his capacity as Director of Lomanitoba Company Limited, offered Baral, who was also a director of Usha Investment Pte Limited, $1.6 million as an inducement or reward, or otherwise on account of Baral performing an act in his official capacity as FRA Manager Project Control.
The two men appeared before Suva Magistrate Charles Ratakele.
FICAC Prosecutor Josann Pene informed the court that first phase disclosures had been served on both accused.
Pene also confirmed that the prosecution is not objecting to bail but sought strict bail conditions, including a non-cash bail bond of $5,000 for each accused, given the seriousness of the charges.
Magistrate Ratakele granted bail on a non-cash bond of $5,000 each, with conditions that the accused attend court as required, do not reoffend while on bail, do not change their residential addresses without the court’s permission, surrender their passports, and remain in the country.
The Magistrate added that if their passports are expired, then both accused cannot apply for new passports.
Each accused presented two sureties, which were accepted by the court.
The matter has been adjourned to January 30 for mention to check on the second phase disclosures.
The two men were represented by Hemendra Nagin, while Pene appeared for the Commission.
