THE High Court has queried the alleged motive of Reana Devi Chand, a woman charged with murder, observing that it would appear illogical for her to destroy a property she was allegedly expecting to own.
Ms Chand made her first appearance before Justice Daniel Goundar in Suva yesterday, charged with one count of murder allegedly committed on December 24 last year.
Prosecutor Hezekiah Nofaga told the court the alleged motive stemmed from a dispute between Ms Chand and the landlady over the property.
The State alleges Ms Chand caused the death of a 19-year-old woman after intentionally setting fire to a flat on Levuka St, Samabula. It is alleged that Ms Chand started the fire after a prior arrangement to purchase the property failed to eventuate, resulting in the victim becoming trapped inside the house and dying.
The court was also told there was no information confirming any history of mental illness or violence involving Ms Chand. Defence lawyer Patrick Kumar said he was not seeking a psychiatric evaluation of his client at this stage.
The court heard Ms Chand is employed as a dental clerk at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital under the Ministry of Health.
Ms Chand was further remanded, with the matter adjourned to September 4 for plea.
