Derek Achong
Cumuto/Tamana Local Government councillor Anil Maharaj has been released on $130,000 bail after making his first court appearance since being charged with misbehaviour in public office.
Maharaj, of Cunapo Southern Main Road, Sangre Grande, was granted bail as he appeared before Port-of-Spain magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor yesterday afternoon.
During the virtual hearing, Baboolal-Gafoor certified Maharaj’s brother to serve as surety for his bail. She also ordered that he surrender his passport and refrain from contacting the witness against him.
As a condition of his bail, Maharaj was also ordered to report to his nearest police station once weekly for the duration of his case.
Maharaj was reportedly held by detectives of the Anti-Corruption Investigations Bureau (ACIB) after they consulted with Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, over the evidence they collected in their investigation.
Maharaj, chairman of the Finance Committee of the United National Congress (UNC)-controlled Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, is alleged to have demanded a $15,000 payment from a contractor between January 1 and June 30.
Maharaj was represented by Suneesh Singh, Dinesh Rambally and Kiel Taklalsingh.
Maharaj’s case has been transferred to the Sangre Grande Magistrate’s Court, where he is expected to reappear next month.