Police in Fiji will compensate the family of Vikash Vinay Raj nearly $6,000 due to the extended period his body remained in the Lautoka Hospital mortuary, exceeding 90 days. Raj tragically drowned in Saweni, Lautoka last December, and the family had been anxiously waiting for DNA test results to confirm his identity before performing final rites.
The DNA results, which were released this past Tuesday, prompted the family to seek closure after a long wait. The cumulative costs incurred for keeping Raj in the mortuary had alarmingly reached $5,790 by the 91st day. Assistant Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa acknowledged the delays in processing Raj’s case, attributing them to factors beyond the Fiji Police Force’s control, particularly the arrival of necessary DNA reagents.
Waqa explained that DNA test results typically take four to six weeks, and the forensic team remained in constant communication with Raj’s family throughout the process. Once the analysis was finalized and the death certificate issued, Raj’s body was released to his family. However, the police will cover costs related to storage in the morgue until the post-mortem examination and identification are completed.
This situation has highlighted the emotional toll that delays in communication and procedural requirements can have on grieving families. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency in law enforcement, particularly in sensitive cases involving the loss of loved ones. The hope is that this resolution can provide the family with the closure they desperately sought, allowing them to honor Raj’s memory properly.
Communities must continue supporting one another during such distressing periods, emphasizing the role of communication and compassion in law enforcement processes. The ultimate aim is to facilitate healing and restore trust among families awaiting closure in similar circumstances.
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