Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says investigators are actively following every lead in the probe into the death of Constable Peniasi Racagi and has confirmed a separate team within the Fiji Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department has been assigned to examine allegations that police officers may have been involved.
Tudravu dismissed public claims that the investigation is being handled selectively and told reporters that the absence of frequent public updates should not be interpreted as an attempt to conceal information or shield any officers. He stressed that members of the police force are subject to the law and that “if credible and sufficient evidence emerges, appropriate charges will be pursued,” adding that the force will not hesitate to act against its own where warranted.
As the latest development in an investigation that has drawn heightened public interest, the commissioner said senior investigators are leading the teams working the case. He said the decision to set up a distinct CID team to look into allegations of police involvement was made to safeguard the integrity and independence of that strand of the inquiry, and to ensure all lines of inquiry are pursued with due care.
Tudravu also urged members of the public who may have information to come forward through official channels, assuring that tips and statements can be handled confidentially. He reiterated that investigators must follow strict procedures before bringing people in for questioning so that evidence is preserved and the legal process is not compromised.
The renewed emphasis on transparency and procedural rigour follows weeks of social media speculation and earlier police statements debunking unsubstantiated claims that an officer was a suspect in Racagi’s death. Police have previously confirmed that individuals questioned in relation to the matter were released once their statements were taken and investigators continued to verify information.
The Racagi inquiry forms part of a broader period of scrutiny for the Fiji Police Force, with recent high-profile investigations — including the separate probe into the death of Richard Mock earlier this year — prompting public calls for clear, timely information. Tudravu’s latest comments are intended to reassure the public that the force is both pursuing every lead and maintaining investigative standards.
Investigators say the probe remains active and ongoing. With senior detectives assigned and a dedicated CID team examining allegations of officer involvement, the police are calling for patience while work continues and for anyone with relevant information to contact official reporting channels so that the investigation can move forward.
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