Edward Nand, 28, and Salimoni Lagicere, 32, have been sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment for the murder of Narend Chand, a Fiji-born Canadian. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Suva under Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull. Both men were found guilty of a premeditated murder connected to a catfishing incident.
The court established that Nand engaged in deceptive online behavior by pretending to be a woman named Leba Ratabacaca, facilitating a false relationship that led Chand to travel to Fiji with the hope of meeting her. On February 19, 2023, after picking up Chand from a location in Nausori, the two men attacked him. Lagicere was found to have strangled Chand with an electric cord bought by Nand, while Nand himself delivered several severe punches, ultimately leading to Chand’s death by a steel pipe blow.
In her ruling, Justice Bull remarked on the intentional and brutal nature of the crime, emphasizing that Chand was misled and ultimately betrayed by individuals he thought he could trust. She noted that the only mitigating factor for Lagicere was his previously clean record, along with his responsibilities as a farmer and caregiver for his mother. Nand was reminded of the embarrassment he caused his family.
Lagice will be eligible for pardon after serving a minimum of 16 years, while Nand faces a minimum of 18 years before he can file for parole. They both have a 30-day window to appeal the verdict.
Previous reports about the case accentuate the severe implications of online deception, highlighting the crucial need for awareness when engaging in digital relationships. As society grapples with the increasing complexity of online interactions, this case serves as a poignant reminder of potential dangers that can arise from catfishing and deceitful online behavior.
The hope remains that this judicial outcome may not only bring some measure of justice to Narend Chand’s family but also raise public consciousness regarding safety in online communications, urging individuals to approach digital relationships with caution and vigilance.
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