A team from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is probing a theft that resulted in a loss of $5,800 from Malti Devi, the mother of Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj. The incident unfolded on December 19, 2024, at CWM Hospital, where the 66-year-old woman realized her purse was missing while collecting medication.

Initially unaware of the theft, Malti Devi discovered the absence of her purse the next morning as she prepared for a physiotherapy appointment. In response, Mr. Maharaj swiftly contacted Bank South Pacific to block the associated card. Unfortunately, he was informed by the bank that the card had already been used for various withdrawals and purchases, including a notable $1,800 transaction at Thirsty Liquor in Lami.

Alarmed by the rapid misuse of the card, Mr. Maharaj lodged a formal complaint at the Raiwaqa Police Station, requesting immediate action from law enforcement. Frustrated by what he perceived as a lack of urgency, he noted, “It’s been more than two weeks, and I’ve done everything I can to help identify the thief. If we are serious about national security, administrative issues like this need to be resolved, and police must be more proactive.”

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that the investigation is active. He stated that investigators have secured Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the liquor outlet and are currently awaiting approval from the bank to access the ATM’s security footage.

This incident underscores the critical need for timely responses in theft cases and enhances the importance of community cooperation with the police. As the investigation progresses, there is potential for identifying the culprit and recovering the stolen funds, highlighting the role of vigilance in safeguarding personal belongings. The continued efforts of law enforcement reassure the public about their commitment to tackling crime, which is essential for maintaining trust and security within the community.