FICAC has requested High Court Judge Justice Daniel Gounder to declare a state witness, who was the former driver at the Commissioner Centrals Office, a hostile witness.

Jagdish Chand, who was the driver for the former Commissioner Central Inoke Devo told the High court this morning that he was once instructed to collect liquor from three nightclubs for their office party by Devo and other staff at his office.

Jagdish Chand took the stand this morning and recalled that he used to transport liquor in Devo's Official government vehicle after being instructed to collect liquor from various outlets.

Chand could only remember that Purple Haze Night club was one of the three from where he was sent to collect liquor.

The Transport logs for Devo's Official vehicle was also presented which showed that once Chand had traveled 66 kilometers when he came to Suva from Nausori to fill diesel at the PWD Depot in Walu Bay.

Chand said on two occasions when he picked up liquor from a shop in Nakelo and from Carlton Brewery in Walu Bay, he was instructed to deliver the alcohol to Devo=s house.

He also told the court that during a workshop for the 2006 General elections, he picked up several bottles of liquor from various outlets after being instructed to do so by his office staff and dropped it off at Devo's room at the Trade Winds hotels

Chand also told the court that he used to pick up food waste from three restaurants for Devo which were filled into buckets.

The witness could not recall dates or the years when he was asked to pick up liquor for the Commissioner Central=s Christmas party.
 
The FICAC lawyer showed signs of frustration and raised concerns with the Judge that Chand was not answering some critical questions and his reluctance to do so was of concern.

However, During cross examination Chand told the court that on all occasions, he was instructed by his immediate supervisor, one Alumita from the Commissioners Officer, to pick up the liquor and drop it at Devo's house and it he was not instructed by Devo himself.

Chand also revealed that the transport logs were checked and approved by Alumita and not Devo.

Defence Counsel Rajendra Chaudhry questioned whether he was ever questioned about the transport runs, when he traveled 66 kilometers to fill fuel, by the Finance Ministry or the Auditor General’s office.

Chand said there were never any questions raised on the matter.

Following the cross examination, FICAC made an application that the witness be declared a hostile witness.

The case continues this afternoon.