The investigation into the tragic death of 21-year-old Komal Kumar, who fell from a ferris wheel during the Fiji Showcase nearly two years ago, is still ongoing, with police keeping her family updated. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Loraini Seru, confirmed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) received the case file in September 2023. In April 2024, the ODPP returned the file to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with recommendations for potential charges, but additional recommendations were made for further investigations before formal charges could be laid.
The family of Kumar has faced immense emotional distress during this prolonged process. Sunita Wati, Komal’s mother, has publicly expressed her heartache over the lack of resolution and accountability surrounding her daughter’s tragic accident. She insisted that all she seeks is justice for her daughter, stating, “I don’t need money; I just want justice for my daughter.”
Her concerns echo the sentiments shared in previous articles, wherein it has been highlighted that the accident not only took Kumar’s life but also seriously injured two other individuals. The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the police and the Ministry of Employment, but two years later, no charges have been filed, and the owner of the ferris wheel company has reportedly left the country, complicating the investigation.
Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, acknowledged the family’s distress and committed to ensuring that the investigation progresses. He has promised to follow up on the status with the police, reflecting a governmental engagement in the matter that has been requested by Kumal’s family.
In response to this tragedy, event organizers have begun to omit ferris wheels from their programs to prioritize safety at public gatherings. This decision signals a shift towards enhanced safety measures, highlighting a community’s commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Despite the painful circumstances, there remains hope for accountability and meaningful changes in public safety practices. The tragic story of Komal Kumar and the ongoing advocacy for justice exemplifies a broader call for improved safety regulations at public events, aiming to protect future generations from similar tragedies.
Leave a comment