A devastating event at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family mourning and the local community reeling. Marika Radua, a farmer from Cakaudrove’s Naviavia Settlement, tragically passed away on Tuesday after reportedly being assaulted by a fellow cellmate.
In the wake of this incident, Radua’s family is seeking answers and accountability from local authorities. He had been detained for nearly six hours following an early morning arrest for an alleged offense. According to his aunt, Unaisi Solaila, Radua’s cousin, Samuela Male, visited him that morning and found him in a cell with two other detainees, one of whom is believed to have mental health challenges. Male claims he heard Radua calling for help around 11 a.m. but, fearing repercussions, opted not to intervene.
An hour later, police officers were seen carrying Radua’s lifeless body from the cell. Solaila expressed her anguish, stating, “They treated him like rubbish,” adding that it was clear he had already passed away.
The family is now left with unsettling questions, including the whereabouts of the police during the alleged assault, the decision to house a mentally challenged individual with other detainees, and why Radua’s cries for help went unheeded. Solaila voiced the family’s frustration, emphasizing that individuals in police custody should be safe, questioning how such a tragedy could occur.
This incident has ignited community outrage, leading to demands for reform within the personnel at Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, has raised concerns about police misconduct in the area for months without any resolution. He called for immediate strategies to rebuild public trust and uphold professional standards within the police force.
In response, the Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police have confirmed that Radua was allegedly attacked by another detainee and that he was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Additionally, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has voiced its concerns regarding the incident, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures within police custody. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the State has a duty to ensure the safety of individuals held in custody.
This family is already grappling with the loss of their home in a recent fire, and now faces the profound tragedy of losing a loved one under such heartbreaking circumstances.
Moving forward, it is essential that the community’s demands for accountability and better police practices are heard and acted upon. The hope remains that this tragic loss will lead to meaningful reforms that will prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, ensuring safety and trust in the law enforcement system.
In summary, the incident highlights critical issues regarding police custody protocols and raises urgent questions about the safety of detainees, urging authorities to take immediate action for reform and accountability.
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