First FICAC witness gives evidence in Bobby Maharaj's abuse of office trial

The first FICAC witness in the abuse of office trial of former Fiji Commerce Commission CEO Bobby Maharaj, has told the Suva Magistrates Court that he does not remember an inspection taking place in his store on the 19th of December 2011 when his business was fined by the Commission.

Rajendra Prasad said that the documents that he was shown in court of the inspection and resulting fine does not have Chand’s correct signature, the date on the document was not clear and was altered, and it did not have the business rubber stamp.

It heard in court that the business was registered under Sarojni Chand’s name however, it was run by her then defacto partner, Rajendra Prasad as Raja’s Foodcourt and Bakery in Korovou.

He also adds that he was not given any documentation in regards to the inspection that allegedly took place on the 19th of December.

During cross examination, defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma asked Prasad if he was given any authorisation from the business owner, Sarojni Chand to represent her to which Prasad responded that he did not receive any such permission.

Prasad also confirmed that Chand was the owner of the store.

Prasad also said that the business had previously breached the Commerce Commission Decree and were given advice to make amends but were never fined until the 19th of December, the day when Maharaj had allegedly directed an employee to falsify documents.

Maharaj is charged with one count of abuse of office.

It is alleged that Maharaj while being employed by the Commerce Commission, in abuse of authority, directed an employee of the commission, without conducting an inspection to fill in false information to indicate an inspection was conducted of a trader and a verbal warning was issued against the trader for breaches under the Commerce Commission Decree.

The trial will continue later this morning.