A devastating event at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family mourning and the local community in turmoil. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically lost his life on Tuesday after he was reportedly assaulted by a fellow cellmate.
Radua, who had been arrested that morning for an alleged offense, spent nearly six hours in police custody. His family is now demanding thorough answers and accountability from the authorities. According to his aunt, Unaisi Solaila, Radua’s cousin, Samuela Male, visited him and discovered that he was sharing a cell with two other men, one of whom is believed to be mentally challenged. Male reported hearing Radua’s anguished cries for help around 11 a.m. but felt powerless to act due to fears of repercussions.
Shortly afterward, police officers were seen removing Radua’s lifeless body from the cell. Ms. Solaila described the scene, stating, “They treated him like rubbish. It was clear he had already died.” The family is left with troubling questions about the incident: Where were the police during the alleged assault? Why was a mentally challenged individual sharing a cell with other detainees? And what led to Radua’s pleas for help being ignored?
The incident has ignited community outrage, with many calling for significant reforms within the Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator of Savusavu Town Council, expressed his concerns over ongoing police misconduct and emphasized the need for immediate actions to restore public trust and uphold professional standards at the station.
In response, the police have confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has ordered an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). A police statement indicated that Radua suffered an alleged assault by another detainee and that officers attempted to rush him to the hospital, where he was later declared dead.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also voiced concerns regarding safety protocols in police custody. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma remarked that this tragic incident raises important questions about the responsibilities of the state to ensure the safety of those in custody.
Adding to the heartache, Radua’s family recently lost their home in a fire, making this loss even more painful.
This tragic incident calls for an urgent review of police procedures and internal policies to ensure the safety of individuals in custody. It highlights the importance of accountability and the need for systemic changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The community’s demand for justice and reform could serve as a catalyst for positive change within the police system, fostering greater trust between law enforcement and the public.
In summary, while this situation is profoundly distressing, it could potentially lead to necessary reforms that enhance accountability and safety in the future.
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