The Fiji Police Chief has recently acknowledged that insufficient manpower and resources are obstructing progress in several notable cold case investigations. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu expressed optimism about a newly formed team, which he believes will help advance these stalled cases.
Tudravu admitted, “It’s long overdue, and I acknowledge that. However, the resources at our disposal limit what we can accomplish. We are doing our best with what we have, and our Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is actively pursuing all cold cases that warrant thorough investigation.”
To bolster these efforts, a special unit is being established to compile progress reports and delineate investigation strategies. This unit will include former officers whose experience is expected to provide significant support to ongoing investigations.
Among the high-profile unresolved cases that the new team will focus on are the 2016 murder of Salesh Chand, the 2019 disappearance of three-year-old Talei Raikadroka, the murder of Rayna Chand, and the 2021 disappearance of seven-year-old Chirag Murti, as well as the 2022 case involving 18-year-old Peniana Vadei.
The proactive initiative to integrate former officers into the investigative process mirrors previous strategies aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities. As detailed in earlier reports, the inclusion of seasoned professionals has been highlighted as a means of restoring public trust and improving police efficiency in addressing ongoing and complex criminal cases.
This renewed commitment to resolving cold cases embodies hope for victims’ families and the community at large, indicating a significant step toward achieving justice and accountability. By leveraging the insights and expertise of retired officers, the Fiji Police is not only addressing the backlog of cold cases but also working towards fostering a more effective and trustworthy police force.
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