The trial of the alleged fraud case of Suncourt Hardware Director Dhansukh Lal Bhikha and former Agriculture Ministry Principal Accounts Officer, Suliasi Sorovakatini has started in the Suva High Court today.

The case related to allegations leveled against the two that they were involved in the Agriculture Scam in 2001.

Acting Registrar of Companies Avi Ram was the first state witness who told Judge Justice Sithabaram Pillai Thurairaja that they received an application from the then Suncourt Wholesalers Limited and upon approval Suncourt Hardware started operating on 1st January 1997.

Upon questioning by DPP lawyer, Saini Puamau, Ram further stated that the company had five directors.

It is alleged that Sorovakatini had allegedly written payment vouchers to Suncourt in 2001 and later received cash in advance, with his airfares allegedly paid by Suncourt between 16th May to August 10th 2001 to the Gold Coast and Melbourne.

The case continues this hour.


Story by: Praneeta Deo & Ronal Deo