A Criminal Investigations Department (CID) team is currently investigating a significant theft that amounted to $5,800, which was stolen from Malti Devi, the mother of Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj. This incident reportedly took place on December 19, 2024, at CWM Hospital, where the 66-year-old woman discovered her purse was missing while collecting her medication.

Initially, Mrs. Devi did not realize her purse was gone until the following morning when she was preparing for a physiotherapy session. Mr. Maharaj quickly contacted Bank South Pacific to block her card but learned that the card had already been used for several unauthorized transactions, including a notable purchase at Thirsty Liquor in Lami, where around $1,800 was spent.

In response to this swift misuse, Mr. Maharaj filed a formal complaint at the Raiwaqa Police Station, expressing concerns over the lack of urgency from law enforcement in pursuing the case. He stated, “I’ve done everything I can to help identify the thief, but it’s been over two weeks with little progress.” Emphasizing the importance of national security, he called for a more proactive approach from the police.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. He indicated that the authorities have secured Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the liquor outlet in Lami and are waiting for approval from the bank to access the ATM camera footage.

This case underscores the critical need for timely action in theft investigations and highlights the importance of community cooperation. The ongoing inquiry could potentially lead to the identification of the culprit and the recovery of the stolen funds, offering hope for improved safety and trust within the community. Law enforcement’s commitment to expediting their investigations may also inspire broader vigilance among residents regarding their personal belongings.