A heartbreaking incident at the Savusavu Police Station has left a family devastated and the local community in disbelief. Marika Radua, a farmer from Naviavia Settlement in Cakaudrove, tragically died on Tuesday after reportedly being assaulted by a fellow inmate.
In the wake of this incident, Radua’s family is urgently seeking answers and accountability from law enforcement. According to relatives, Marika was taken into custody early Tuesday on suspicion of an offense and remained detained for nearly six hours. His aunt, Unaisi Solaila, revealed that a visit from Radua’s cousin, Samuela Male, took place earlier that day. Male discovered Radua confined in a cell with two other individuals—one believed to have mental health issues. He described hearing Radua’s desperate cries for help around 11 am but felt unable to step in due to fear of repercussions.
Tragically, officers were seen carrying Radua’s lifeless body from the cell shortly thereafter. His aunt expressed profound sorrow, recounting how he was treated with disrespect in his final moments. “It was evident he had already passed away,” she lamented.
The family is left grappling with unsettling questions: What was the police response during the alleged assault? Why was a mentally challenged individual placed in the same cell as other detainees? And why were Radua’s calls for help ignored?
Amidst the grief, Ms. Solaila articulated their growing frustration, stating, “People are supposed to be safe in police custody. How could this happen?”
The tragic event has ignited community outrage, increasing calls for a comprehensive review of personnel at the Savusavu Police Station. Shiu Shankar Singh, the special administrator for Savusavu Town Council, voiced his persistent concerns over police misconduct and the need for significant reforms to regain public trust and uphold professional standards.
In response, Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has initiated an investigation through the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). The police confirmed that Radua was allegedly attacked by another inmate and that he was urgently transported to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival.
Additionally, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed alarm over the incident. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma stressed the critical importance of ensuring safety protocols for individuals in custody, emphasizing that the state bears a responsibility for their protection.
Compounding the family’s tragedy is the loss of their home in a recent fire, making the death of Radua under such distressing circumstances all the more heartbreaking.
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the essential need for reforms in the police system to ensure the safety and dignity of individuals in custody. The community’s response could potentially lead to improvements that might prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future, emphasizing the necessity for change and accountability within law enforcement.
The hope is that, along with a thorough investigation, this tragedy will prompt constructive dialogue and meaningful reforms that protect the rights and safety of all individuals, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
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