A 32-year-old rice farmer who allegedly knowingly made a false statement on a passport application form was yesterday placed on $60,000 bail when he appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on April 16, 2002 at Georgetown, Mahace Chainsukh of Handsome Tree, Mahaica Creek stated in a passport application form that he was Bowal Ram, for the purpose of obtaining a passport, knowing same to be false.

Chainsukh pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Attorney-at-Law Vic Puran who represented the defendant made an application that bail be granted to his client in a reasonable sum on the grounds that he has had no previous convictions, has a fixed place of abode, poses no risk of flight and has been fully cooperative with the police in their investigations.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Munilall Seetaram had no objection to the bail application made by the lawyer.

The defendant was subsequently placed on $60,000 bail and his matter was transferred to Court Six for August 3.