It has been over three years since the mysterious disappearance of seven-year-old Chiraag Murthi from Taveuni Island, Vanua Levu. Chiraag, who faced hearing and speech disabilities, went missing from his home in Qila on November 12, 2021. His father, Shyam Murthi, is expressing his deep frustration with the response from the Fiji Police Force, who he believes could be doing more to solve the case.
Mr. Murthi regularly visits the Taveuni Police Station seeking updates, only to be met with indifference and unhelpful responses from the officers. He feels that the local police are not treating the case with the urgency it deserves, attributing their lack of professionalism to the isolation of the island. To address these issues, he has suggested that officers receive training in anger management and customer service.
As a father grappling with the heartache of his son’s absence, Mr. Murthi faces the challenge of comforting his wife and two other children, who still maintain hope that Chiraag is alive. He criticizes the police for referring to the investigation as a “cold case” and urges them to prioritize their ongoing work to find his son. He also voiced concerns over the island’s vulnerability to threats such as human trafficking and kidnapping due to inadequate monitoring of the jetties used for trade.
Despite the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on his family, Mr. Murthi remains determined to continue his search for Chiraag, even if it means another holiday season will pass without him. In a response from the police, Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, assured the public that the case is still open and investigations are actively ongoing.
This ongoing search serves as a reminder of a family’s resilience and determination in the face of great adversity. The community and law enforcement are encouraged to collaborate and prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens, ensuring that cases like Chiraag’s receive the attention they deserve.
Leave a comment