Residents of Newtown, Cuvu, Nadroga, are in shock after the body of a community member was found floating in Cuvu River yesterday.
The deceased has been identified as Ravnit Dass, 32, a mechanic. His body was discovered by two farmers working on their plantations near the river.
Dass’s father, Rattan Kumar, 66, said their last conversation was on Monday. “He came home on Monday night around 7 p.m., dropped his tools, and said he was going to his friend’s house,” Kumar recounted. “That was the last time I saw him until his body was discovered today.”
Nadroga Navosa Advisory Council chairman Subrail Narayan expressed that this is a significant loss to the community. “He used to fix my vehicle. He was smart, hard-working, and had a good heart,” Narayan said.
Police spokesperson Wame Bautolu stated that the authorities were notified about the incident around midday. “Police managed to identify the deceased male, and other details will be released later. The investigation is ongoing,” he said.
Funeral arrangements will proceed after the post-mortem examination is conducted.