The tragic deaths of Artika Kumari and Latchman Krishna, both 41, in Malolo, Nadi, have left their family and community in shock. On the morning of January 10, 2025, authorities discovered Ms. Kumari dead inside their home, while Mr. Krishna is alleged to have taken his own life just outside.

Initial investigations are pointing towards a possible murder-suicide scenario. Reports suggest that Mr. Krishna killed his wife before ending his own life. The couple leaves behind a nine-year-old daughter, who is central to this heartbreaking incident; she reportedly witnessed an argument between her parents before bravely seeking help from a neighbor. This led her uncle, Rajesh Krishna—who is also Mr. Krishna’s twin brother—to the scene, where he made the devastating discovery.

Rajesh revealed that the couple had recently faced significant turmoil. Ms. Kumari had filed a police report against Mr. Krishna for alleged assault just a day prior to the incident, heightening the emotional tension within their family. Reflecting on the loss, Rajesh expressed his sorrow, stating the intimate bond he shared with his brother and the deep impact of this tragedy on his life.

Artika’s sister, Aska Kumari, spoke of their last conversation, where she relayed her sister’s struggles in her marriage. This conversation foreshadowed the heartbreaking events that unfolded, leaving the family in disbelief and mourning their sudden loss.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Iakobo Vaisewa, confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding these deaths. He stressed the urgent need for mental health awareness and open discussions about domestic conflicts within families and communities to avert similar tragedies in the future.

The tragic experiences of Artika and Latchman remind us of the complexities of human relationships and the importance of providing support to families in crisis. There is hope that this sorrowful incident will inspire greater awareness and action around mental health resources, fostering a healthier discourse and proactive measures in communities to prevent such heart-wrenching losses in the future.

In summary, as investigations continue, the community grapples with their grief while reflecting on the critical importance of compassion, mental health awareness, and community support in navigating domestic challenges. The hope is that this tragedy will catalyze positive change, encouraging individuals and families to seek help in times of need.