A tragic incident at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family devastated and the local community reeling. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically passed away on Tuesday after reportedly being assaulted by a fellow inmate.
Radua was taken into police custody earlier that day for an alleged offense and spent nearly six hours behind bars. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, shared that her cousin Samuela Male visited Radua that morning and found him in a cell with two other detainees, one of whom was believed to be mentally challenged. Male reported hearing Radua’s cries for help at around 11 AM but, fearing potential repercussions, did not step in.
Regrettably, shortly thereafter, police officers carried Radua’s body from the cell, signaling a devastating turn of events. Solaila expressed the family’s pain, stating, “They treated him like rubbish,” and noting that it appeared he had already passed away.
The family is grappling with unsettling questions, including the whereabouts of police during the alleged assault, the rationale behind placing a mentally challenged individual in a cell with others, and the lack of response to Radua’s desperate pleas for help.
As the tragedy unfolded, community outrage surged, prompting calls for significant changes at Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator of Savusavu Town Council, voiced deep concerns about police conduct, emphasizing that he has raised issues about misconduct for months without resolution. He called for immediate reforms to restore trust and uphold professional standards within the police force.
In response to the outcry, Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has ordered an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police confirmed that Radua was reportedly assaulted by another detainee, and despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission also weighed in, with chairperson Pravesh Sharma stating that the incident raises essential questions about safety protocols in police custody. He emphasized the state’s duty to ensure the well-being of individuals in their care.
Adding to the family’s heartbreak, they have recently endured the loss of their home in a fire, making Radua’s untimely death even more devastating.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for accountability and safety within law enforcement agencies. It is hoped that this tragedy will lead to necessary changes that protect the rights and safety of individuals in custody, restoring faith in the justice system for the community.
Summary: Marika Radua died after an alleged assault by a cellmate at Savusavu Police Station, prompting calls for accountability and reform in police conduct. The family demands answers while community members express outrage over the incident and the circumstances surrounding Radua’s detention.
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