The Police Force is strongly refuting claims made by the Coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Shamima Ali who says Nadi Police had told Latchman Krishna who killed his wife and took his own life to go back home but stay in separate rooms.
Ali claims Krishna was arrested last Wednesday for the criminal intimidation of his wife and Police made the decision to release him last Thursday afternoon after holding him overnight.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew says the Nadi Police had promptly responded to a call by Krishna’s wife Artika Kumari on January 8th at 11.20am, whereby she stated that her husband had threatened her, resulting in his arrest at 11.25am where he was taken to the Station and all necessary procedures were followed.
He was charged with criminal intimidation contrary to section 375(1)(a)(i)(iv) of the Crimes Act 2009.
Chew confirms that Krishna was kept in custody and he appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court the following day.
He clarifies that a Domestic Violence Restraining Order was imposed under section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act, whereby the Magistrate granted that the suspect move back in with the victim after Krishna had said that they have reconciled and had also assured the court that Kumari was safe.
The Acting Commissioner says Nadi Police were only alerted of the victims' tragic deaths by a neighbour who reported the matter.
Chew says the statement by Ali was riddled with false information, which was solely aimed at discrediting the Fiji Police Force.
Chew says the Force has never shied away from taking responsibility when officers have failed to conduct their duties in accordance with the law, as they strive to ensure professionalism across all facets of police work.
He says Ali’s assertion of the inaction or the poor handling of the case in Nadi can not go unchallenged as it was malicious in its intent to discredit the organisation.
The Acting Commissioner says while the organisation is sympathised with the tragic deaths of the two victims, the truth behind what transpired must be released to reassure Fijians that the “No Drop Policy” remains strictly enforced.
He says any breach by officers will result in disciplinary action. They are also appealing to NGO’s and civil society to refer all domestic violence cases to the police for the law to take its course.
They are also appealing for members of the communities to follow proper channels and report against Police Conduct and Services through our Internal Affairs Unit.
The Acting Commissioner said the Divisional Police Commanders, Directors, Assistant Commissioners can always be reached to clarify such issues, as irresponsible statements made without any verification can cause major harm to victim’s of domestic violence wanting to come forward to report crimes.
Meanwhile, Ali earlier said that they believe the failed actions taken by Police led to the murder of Artika Kumari.
She says this underscores the need for systemic reforms and better training within the Police Force to ensure that all officers are equipped to handle cases of domestic violence effectively and with sensitivity.
The Coordinator says this needs to be taken seriously by Police especially when they are facing an epidemic of domestic violence against women, with Fijian women being murdered, tortured and assaulted.
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