Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry is urging authorities to take action regarding the tragic ferris wheel accident that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Komal Kumar and left two other women severely injured during the Fiji Showcase event in Suva last year. Nearly 17 months have passed without resolution, leading to increasing frustration over the stagnant investigation and lack of accountability.
Chaudhry has expressed serious concerns, questioning why an official report on the incident has not yet been released. He speculated if any individuals are being shielded from scrutiny or if authorities hope the matter will simply be forgotten without ensuring accountability for what he describes as negligence leading to a fatality.
He highlighted that it took the Employment Ministry six months to compile a report, which was finally sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in December of the previous year, recommending potential charges. Since then, the DPP has reportedly awaited a police report essential for proceeding with the case. In a letter dated January 4, 2024, the DPP followed up with the police, only to receive no resolution despite further inquiries from Labour on June 18, 2024.
Chaudhry noted that despite the passage of time, no charges have been filed, and the responsibilities seem to be shifting among various agencies like the Employment Ministry, the Police, and the DPP’s office. He has called upon Minister Agni Deo Singh to utilize the Labour Inspection and Compliance Unit to address the matter and ensure those responsible for the tragedy are brought to justice.
In summary, the ongoing delays in the investigation into the ferris wheel incident highlight a concerning lack of accountability within the relevant authorities, prompting calls for a more rigorous approach to ensure justice for the victims and their families. This situation serves as a crucial test for the organizations charged with safeguarding public safety, and it is hoped that increased scrutiny will lead to meaningful reforms and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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