In fraud case…
MAHESH Chainsukh, 32, a rice farmer of Lot 384 Handsome Tree, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday, charged with making a false statement.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, is alleged to have, last April 16, stated in a passport application that he was Bowal Ram, knowing it to be false.

Defence Counsel Vic Puran said times are hard for rice farmers in this country and Chainsukh was put on $60,000 bail until August 3.