A devastating event at the Savusavu Police Station has plunged a family into mourning and left the local community in disbelief. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically lost his life on Tuesday following an alleged beating by a fellow inmate.
Radua was taken into custody for a suspected offense, spending nearly six hours behind bars. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, shared that a family member, Samuela Male, visited him earlier that morning and discovered him confined in a cell with two other individuals, one believed to have mental disabilities. Male reported hearing Radua’s cries for assistance around 11 AM but hesitated to intervene, fearing potential consequences.
Shortly after, police officers emerged from the cell carrying Radua’s deceased body. “They treated him like rubbish,” Solaila recounted, stating the unfortunate clarity that Radua had already passed away.
Family members are left with painful questions: What were the police doing during the alleged assault? Why was a mentally challenged person placed in the same cell as other detainees? And why did no one respond to Radua’s pleas? Solaila articulated the family’s sorrow and anger, emphasizing, “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?”
The incident has ignited anger within the community, prompting calls for immediate changes to the personnel at Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, expressed his ongoing concerns about police misconduct, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to restore public trust.
In the aftermath, the police confirmed that Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). They stated that Radua was allegedly attacked by another detainee with officers promptly taking him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Additionally, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is voicing its concerns over the incident, highlighting the need for better safety measures within police custody. According to the commission’s chairperson, Pravesh Sharma, “This incident raises critical questions about safety protocols within police custody. The State is responsible for those held in custody.”
With the family still grieving the recent loss of their home to a fire, they now face the heart-wrenching loss of Marika Radua under such tragic circumstances.
This stark situation serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibility institutions have towards individuals in their custody. The community’s call for accountability may pave the way for necessary reforms that ensure safety and justice in the future.
Summary: Marika Radua died at the Savusavu Police Station, allegedly beaten by a cellmate, leading to community outrage and calls for police reforms. His family’s demand for accountability highlights the need for improvements within the police system to ensure the safety of individuals in custody.
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