Accused of robbing former minister

Pillai Sivasankara, an Indian man resident in Msida, was remanded in custody today after being accused of stealing a gold ringworth €2,329 from former minister Wistin Abela on Tuesday. He allegedly pulled the ring off wheelchair-bound Mr Abela, 79, at Our Lady of Sorrows Street in Zejtun. He also tried to steal his watch.  Sivasankara was also accused of harassing people by public begging and carrying a false ID card. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. Police inspectors Tony Cachia and Kevin Pulis prosecuted. Mr Abela was a long-serving minister under Dom Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, having been responsible for Air Malta and other public investments. He was also briefly responsible for finance.