Two men, Edward Nand and Salimoni Lagicere, have been sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment for the murder of Narend Chand, a Fiji-born Canadian national, in February 2023. The sentencing took place before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull in Suva, where it was also determined that Lagicere would serve a minimum of 16 years before a pardon can be considered, while Nand will serve 18 years.
The court learned that Nand and Lagicere had conspired to rob Chand when he arrived in Fiji under the pretense of meeting a woman he believed he had been communicating with online. This profile was later discovered to be fake, managed by one of the accused. Tragically, after being misled into believing he was meeting someone trustworthy, Chand’s body was subsequently found floating in the Waimaro River near Waito Settlement.
It was noted that the prosecution, led by lawyer Zenith Zunaid on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, presented a strong case against the two men, whose actions highlighted the serious dangers of online deception. Defense attorneys for Lagicere and Nand argued different points during the proceedings, but ultimately, the evidence pointed towards a premeditated plan.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and underscores the importance of exercising caution while engaging with individuals on social media platforms. The resolution of this trial may offer some measure of justice for Chand’s family and emphasizes the critical need for vigilance in digital communications.
As society continues to navigate the complexities of virtual relationships, this incident acts as a cautionary tale, urging individuals to remain aware of the dangers that can arise from deception online. The hope is that justice for Narend Chand will encourage others to prioritize safety in their online engagements.
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