Two individuals appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court recently, facing grave legal charges linked to corruption as confirmed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The accused are Ripon Baral, a former Manager of Project Controls at the Fiji Roads Authority, and Aktar Ali.
Baral is facing multiple charges, including Abuse of Office, Falsification of Documents, and Bribery, while Ali is charged with a single count of Bribery. The allegations against them pertain to activities that occurred between October 2017 and January 2018, during which Baral is purported to have falsified a tender submission related to a footpath project for Naboutini Transport in the Western Division. Meanwhile, Ali allegedly provided inducements to Baral to manipulate the tender process.
During their court proceedings, overseen by Resident Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne, FICAC opted not to oppose bail, but requested strict conditions to be imposed. The court ultimately granted non-cash bail alongside a Stop Departure Order. As a part of their bail conditions, both Baral and Ali must surrender their travel documents, report to FICAC on a monthly basis, refrain from witness interference, and maintain their current addresses.
This case is part of FICAC’s wider initiative to combat corruption within Fiji, as highlighted by a series of prosecutions against public service individuals facing similar charges. Recent allegations have brought to light various cases that emphasize the need for accountability and transparency in government processes.
As the legal proceedings advance, there is a sense of optimism that they will reinforce the rule of law and improve public confidence in governance. FICAC’s proactive approach signifies a determined effort to eliminate corruption, which is essential for cultivating a fair and equitable society. The trial is set to resume on November 6, marking an important step in this ongoing legal process.