INJURIES sustained by Puna Chand of Teidamu, Lautoka, on November 7, 2013 are not consistent with the injuries usually suffered by a car accident victim, says former Fiji Police Force pathologist Dr Ramaswamy Ponuswamy Goundar.

The admission was made by the pathologist, who gave his evidence over Skype from Australia yesterday, in the two-day trial for Local Government Minister Parveen Kumar.

Mr Kumar is charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning death.

Dr Goundar’s post-mortem examination report had revealed a 2.8 centimetre suitor laceration on the back of the victim’s head was the principle external injury found on his body.

He said internal injuries included brain haemorrhages and a similar laceration on the soft tissue of the victim’s head.

He explained there were no other major injuries found on his lower body that were consistent with a car accident victim such as broken bones and lacerations.

When questioned by State lawyers whether Mr Chand’s injuries were consistent with a brief medical history that included being hit by a passing motor vehicle, Dr Goundar said “no”.

During cross examination by defence lawyer Shalend Krishna, the pathologist confirmed that the laceration could have been from a fall and that fractures found on his body could have also been caused by the act of falling.

Mr Krishna said if the pathologist had not been informed by the investigating officer that the victim was in a car accident, he would not have determined that he had been hit by a vehicle.

“You would now have to agree that you would not have put that in as your opinion if the police officer had not told you,” Mr Krishan put to Dr Goundar to which he responded in the affirmative.

In light of this new information, the defence lawyers for Mr Kumar have stated to the court their intention to file a no case to answer. Resident Magistrate Rangajeeva Wimalasena said submissions for the application would have to be given by both parties on July 15.

The case has been adjourned for ruling on July 22 and for the defence to call four of their own witnesses.