It has been over three years since Chiraag Murthi, a seven-year-old boy with hearing and speech disabilities, vanished from his home in Qila on Taveuni Island, Vanua Levu, on November 12, 2021. His father, Shyam Murthi, believes the Fiji Police Force must intensify their efforts to resolve the case.
Mr. Murthi has been consistently reaching out to the Taveuni Police Station for updates but has been met with little progress. He expressed frustration over the officers’ dismissive attitudes, saying, “When I ask them more questions, they respond rudely and angrily.” He has suggested that police personnel might benefit from training in anger management and customer service to improve their interactions with the community.
He feels that their small island location contributes to a perception of being overlooked by authorities, stating, “Just because we live on a small island, far from headquarters and the mainland, these officers treat us differently because no one is watching over them.”
As a father anguish over his son’s disappearance, Mr. Murthi strives to reassure his other two children and wife, who continue to hold hope that Chiraag is still alive. He criticized the use of terms like “cold case” by the police and urged them to focus on following through with their investigations, noting that the island is susceptible to risks such as human trafficking and kidnapping due to inadequate monitoring of ports used for exports.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Murthi remains determined to find his son, even though he may face another Christmas without him. In response, Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent of Police Eroni Soqosoqo, affirmed that the investigation into the case remains open and ongoing.
The Murthi family’s search for Chiraag highlights the emotional struggles faced by families of missing persons, a situation that draws attention to the need for effective law enforcement and community support. Their resilience is inspiring, as they continue to seek answers and hold out hope in challenging circumstances.
In a world where families like the Murthis find themselves navigating the complexities of missing loved ones, it is crucial to remember the importance of compassion and community in aiding their plight. The ongoing investigation serves as a reminder that no case should be deemed “cold” without thorough pursuit and dedication to uncovering the truth.
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