Imran Khan, also known as “King Khan” has been further remanded after his bail application was refused by the Nadi Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The decision was made by Magistrate Safaira Ratu who stood down the matter to review Mr Khan’s bail application and the arguments presented by the State prosecutor, Joeli Nasa, and defence lawyer, Jerry Dinati.
Magistrate Ratu said the case was an indictable offence of public interest and refused to grant bail because the accused had allegedly disobeyed earlier court orders.
Mr Khan is charged with one count of Contravention of Restraining Orders – Contrary to Section 42(1)(a) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997.
According to the charges read out in court, he breached a restraining order issued by the Civil High Court in HBM of 2023 on December 23 in the Central Division, by disposing of vehicle registration KNGKHN and transferring that vehicle to a Ifran Khan, which was subject to the restraining order issued in HBM 213 of 2023.
He is also alleged to have breached a High Court Order by disposing of a vehicle that was the subject of the initial restraining order which included a $400,000 property, cash currently held at a local bank and four vehicles.
A raid conducted at four of his properties in Makoi, Valelevu and Davuilevu was in search of one of the four vehicles that had been unaccounted for.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the court heard Mr Khan had attempted to flee the jurisdiction last week.
Mr Nasa revealed this while reiterating the State’s position in opposing bail.
He argued that breaching a restraining order was a serious offence.
Mr Nasa said since Mr Khan had already breached a restraining order, he could violate another court order and not comply with bail conditions if granted bail.
The State then requested for the matter to be transferred to the High Court in Suva and sought seven days to file the affidavit and disclosures.
In response, the defence lawyer Dinati objected to the argument behind the transfer of the case to the High Court.
Mr Dinati said the Magistrate’s Court has the jurisdiction to hear the case and argued that they have not received full disclosures.
He told court his client is innocent until proven guilty, has no record of absconding bail and is willing to abide by strict bail conditions.
The case has been transferred to the High Court in Suva and will be called again for mention on May 13.
