Court

Life imprisonment for Rajiv Padhyachi

December 11, 2019 12:52 pm

Rajiv Padhyachi

28-year-old former military officer Rajiv Padhyachi convicted of one count of attempted murder has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Suva High court.

He will be able to apply for a pardon after serving 15 years.

Padhyachi tried to kill his partner in Colo-i-Suva by drowning her in September last year.

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The two were in a relationship for nine months and the complainant had given Padhyachi $78,000 with the understanding that he would make repayments.

On the date of the incident, Padhyachi suggested an early morning swim, insisting his partner accompany him to the popular spot. Upon reaching the pool area, Padyachi pushed his partner into the water knowing that she could not swim.

When the accused saw her trying to reach the banks, he jumped in and shoved her head deeper into the water while she struggled and gasped for air.

During the struggle, the victim scratched Padhyachi’s face and was able to shout for help which was heard by a group of people trekking nearby.

High court Judge Justice Chamath Morais said that it was preplanned and there was a breach of trust.