The tragic deaths of 41-year-old couple Artika Kumari and Latchman Krishna in Malolo, Nadi, have left their family and community in a state of profound shock. On the morning of January 10, 2025, Ms. Kumari was found dead in their home, while her husband is alleged to have committed suicide outside. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which is being treated as a potential murder-suicide.

The couple’s nine-year-old daughter caught the attention of their uncle, Rajesh Krishna, after she witnessed an argument between her parents and sought help from a neighbor. This led Rajesh to check on the couple, resulting in the heartbreaking discovery of his twin brother and sister-in-law. Rajesh expressed deep sorrow, revealing that their family had recently faced significant turmoil, particularly as Artika had lodged a police report against Latchman for alleged assault just a day before the tragedy.

Artika’s sister, Aska, shared that their last conversation hinted at the struggles in her sister’s marriage, leaving the family in disbelief and mourning her untimely death. Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa confirmed that investigations are underway to confirm the cause of death and to understand the events leading up to this unfortunate incident.

This shocking event has sparked discussions about the importance of mental health awareness and the necessity of open dialogue around domestic conflicts. The community is encouraged to come together to support those in distress, underscoring the tragic loss of Kumari and Krishna as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the urgent need for collective action toward mental health resources.

In summary, while this incident is a heart-wrenching reminder of personal and familial struggles, it also highlights the potential for communities to unite and foster support systems that can help families in crisis, ultimately aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future. There remains hope that increased awareness and proactive discussions around mental health will emerge from this tragedy, promoting healthier relationships and communities.