Desperate Search: Father Calls for Action in Child’s Disappearance

It has been over three years since Chiraag Murthi, a seven-year-old boy with hearing and speech disabilities, went missing from his home in Qila on Taveuni Island, Vanua Levu, on November 12, 2021. His father, Shyam Murthi, has been actively seeking updates on the stalled investigation from the Fiji Police Force but has expressed frustration over the lack of progress and the unhelpful demeanor of officers at the Taveuni Police Station.

Shyam Murthi voiced concerns that the police need to enhance their approach, suggesting that anger management and customer service training could improve their interactions with the community, particularly in sensitive situations like his family’s. He feels that being on a small island may lead to a lack of accountability for law enforcement officials, impacting the handling of cases like his son’s.

With a heavy heart, Mr. Murthi continues to face the challenge of explaining his son’s absence to his other children and wife, who remain hopeful that Chiraag is still alive. He emphasizes the need for authorities to shift their focus from labeling the case as a “cold case” to actively pursuing leads and vigilance against potential threats such as human trafficking in their isolated community.

Despite the difficulties, he has pledged not to give up on finding his son, even as another Christmas approaches without him. Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, the Acting Divisional Police Commander North, has assured that the investigation into Chiraag’s disappearance remains open and ongoing, providing a glimmer of hope for the Murthi family and the community.

This story showcases the resilience of a father who refuses to lose hope in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of community support and effective communication between law enforcement and families dealing with similar challenges. The involvement of the community and authorities can play a crucial role in addressing such tragic incidents.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by remote communities, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures to protect their residents.