Muhammad Raheesh Isoof has been charged with the murder of five family members in the Nausori Highlands. The victims, found in August, included Nirmal Kumar, his wife, daughter, and two granddaughters. A post-mortem revealed they consumed a toxic substance. Isoof, known to the family, faces five murder charges and one attempted murder charge. The case, highlighting a disturbing crime, continues in the Lautoka High Court.
The bodies of the three adults and two children that were found in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi yesterday have been identified as a family from Legalega, Nadi.
Police confirmed last night that the bodies are of a 63 year old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54 year old wife, Usha Devi, their 34 year old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
Police have classified this as a case of interest for now until a determination is made on the cause of the deaths.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
It has also been confirmed that the car belonging to the family was found at the New World Supermarket carpark in Votualevu.
The one year old child who was found crawling nearby, remains admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.
She is the late Nileshni's niece.
Her mother lives in Australia.
The five bodies were identified by a relative.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
Police had discovered the bodies of two adults and two children yesterday and confirmed in the afternoon that the fifth body was discovered a few metres away from where the first four victims were found.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
Police were alerted by an eyewitness who saw a child believed to be one‑year‑old.
The child was crawling by the side of the road, close to where the four bodies were discovered.
Police investigators are now gathering statements from some people to establish how the family car of the five people found dead in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi yesterday was found abandoned in Votualevu.
Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro says they are following some possible leads and investigators are also in the highlands searching for more information and evidence.
The family car was found at the New World Supermarket carpark in Votualevu.
The neighbours in Legalega, Nadi are saying that the family had gone out on Saturday afternoon and did not return home.
The post mortem examination of the five bodies will be conducted tomorrow.
Police have confirmed that the bodies are of a 63 year old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54 year old wife, Usha Devi, their 34 year old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
They were found in the sightseeing area in the Nausori Highlands.
It is a case of interest for now until a determination is made on the cause of the deaths.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
The one-year-old child who was found crawling nearby, remains admitted at the Lautoka Hospital.
She is the late Nileshni’s niece.
Her mother lives in Australia.
Police have made it clear that the media report from FBC stating that Police have a suspect in custody in relation to the Nausori Highlands case of interest is not true.
Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro says that investigators are still gathering information regarding the case and are continuing with the process of interviewing people who may have information regarding the incident.
Police stress that as this is a case of interest still at this point once a suspect is identified a statement will be released.
The false report had caused confusion amongst the public as the people being taken in for Police statements are not suspects.
The post mortem examination of the five bodies that were discovered in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi will be conducted today.
Police investigators are now gathering statements from some people to establish how the family car of the five people found dead in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday was found abandoned in Votualevu.
Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro says they are following some possible leads and investigators are also in the highlands searching for more information and evidence.
The family car was found at the New World Supermarket carpark in Votualevu.
The neighbours in Legalega, Nadi are saying that the family had gone out on Saturday afternoon and did not return home.
Family members also say that all their mobile phones were left at their home in Legalega.
Police are trying to piece together evidence on what happened between Saturday to Monday.
The car was also found parked 30 kilometres from where the five bodies were found.
They were found in the sightseeing area in the Nausori Highlands.
It is a case of interest for now until a determination is made on the cause of the deaths.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainmarama says the discovery of the five bodies in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi is tragic and the news has shocked the nation.
While speaking at the Ra Provincial Council Meeting, Bainimarama says the news is devastating and he has asked the people of Fiji to remember the families and relatives in their prayers as they go through this heartbreaking moment.
He says it is fortunate that the one year old child was found alive and is currently under the care of the doctors and that he is also praying for her.
He adds Police have assured him that they are giving this serous matter the resources and attention it deserves as they work to uncover the nature of the crime and discover who is responsible.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the government has provided a lot of assistance to the people of Fiji and it does not differentiate between race, religion and ethnic background when providing such assistance.
Bainimarama says they have used more than $4 million in providing education assistance in the district of Ra, where they have upgraded Nasau Secondary School and Naqaqa SDP Primary School.
He says they have made over $250 million available for tertiary loans and scholarships for Fijians of all ages, looking to pursue their dreams of higher education.
The Prime Minister says that they have been investing in health, upgrading and expanding facilities, spreading awareness of the danger of deadly non‑communicable diseases and investing in facilities where Fijians can exercise to maintain healthy lifestyles.
Bainimarama stated they have invested three million dollars in the rural water project, putting water tanks directly in communities to cut reliance on expensive water carting during the dry season and another eight million dollars has gone towards the rural electrification scheme to bring the life‑changing benefits of reliable and affordable power to communities across Ra.
Bainimarama highlighted that the Government has extended the hand of friendship and support to them, as leaders, in many ways but it is up to them to reach out and seize the opportunities.
Police investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination of the five people found dead in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi were consistent with an alleged substance consumed by all five victims.
Spokesperson Ana Naisoro says more tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
Investigators are also gathering statements from everyone who knows the family and their relatives to establish what had happened and how the family car of the five people was found abandoned in Votualevu.
They are following some possible leads and investigators are also in the highlands searching for more information and evidence.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
The family car was found at the New World Supermarket carpark in Votualevu.
The neighbours in Legalega, Nadi are saying that the family had gone out on Saturday afternoon and did not return home.
Family members also say that all their mobile phones were left at their home in Legalega.
Police are trying to piece together evidence on what happened between Saturday to Monday.
The car was also found parked 30 kilometres from where the five bodies were found.
They were found in the sightseeing area in the Nausori Highlands.
It is a case of interest for now until a determination is made on the cause of the deaths.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
Police are currently interviewing a man who is now a person of interest in relation to the five people found dead in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with an alleged substance consumed by all five victims.
Spokesperson Ana Naisoro says more tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
The bodies are of a 63 year old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54 year old wife, Usha Devi, their 34 year old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
They were found in the sightseeing area in the Nausori Highlands.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one‑year‑old child was also found crawling nearby.
Police are now interviewing a woman in relation to the five people found dead in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday.
The man who was a person of interest and interviewed by Police yesterday, has now been released.
It has been confirmed that the man is known by the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims.
Spokesperson Ana Naisoro says more tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
The bodies are of 63 year old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54 year old wife, Usha Devi, their 34 year old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
They were found in the sightseeing area in the Nausori Highlands.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one‑year‑old child was also found crawling nearby.
Police are still yet to classify the case of the discovery of the five bodies in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi.
The man and woman who were taken in for statements have been released.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro had earlier confirmed that the man was a person of interest in the case.
Both the man and woman were known to the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims. More tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one‑year‑old child was also found crawling nearby.
The funeral service of Nirmal Kumar, his wife Usha Devi, their daughter Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters will be held at Votualevu at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
Their bodies were found in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday.
Nirmal’s cousin Ritesh Kumar says the family will be dearly missed as they were generous and very kind.
He says his cousin was always the first to show up to help at any family function.
Kumar adds the head teacher of the school the two girl’s attended will be giving a speech during the ceremony along with several community and family members.
He further adds the family was one that always stayed together.
Police are yet to classify the case.
The man and woman who were taken in for statements have been released.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro had earlier confirmed that the man was a person of interest in the case.
Both the man and woman were known to the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims. More tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one year old child was also found crawling nearby.
Hundreds of people including close family members and friends have gathered at the funeral service at Votualevu College to pay tribute to the five people whose bodies were found in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday.
Nirmal Kumar, his wife Usha Devi, their daughter Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters will be laid to rest at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
Nirmal’s cousin Ritesh Kumar says the family will be dearly missed as they were generous and very kind.
He says his cousin was always the first to show up to help at any family function.
Kumar adds the head teacher of the school the two girl’s attended will be giving a speech during the ceremony along with several community and family members.
He further adds the family was one that always stayed together.
The parents of Nadi Sangam School students also held a candle light vigil last night in remembrance of the family.
Police are yet to classify the case.
The man and woman who were taken in for statements have been released.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro had earlier confirmed that the man was a person of interest in the case.
Both the man and woman were known to the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims. More tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one year old child was also found crawling nearby.
Nirmal Kumar, his wife Usha Devi, their daughter Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters have been laid to rest this afternoon.
Their bodies were found in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi on Monday.
Nirmal’s cousin Ritesh Kumar says the funeral procession first went to the families home where about 150 family members were present, for a last visit.
He says they were then taken to Nadi Sangam College and then to Votualevu where about 2000 people were present to pay their final respect.
Kumar says the family will be dearly missed as they were generous and very kind.
He says his cousin was always the first to show up to help at any family function.
Kumar adds Pandit Rajesh Sharma gave a moving speech about the family saying nobody should have to go through such tragedy.
He further adds the family was one that always stayed together.
Parents of Nadi Sangam School students held a candle light vigil last night in remembrance of the family.
Meanwhile, Police are yet to classify the case of the discovery of the five bodies in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi.
The man and woman who were taken in for statements have been released.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro had earlier confirmed that the man was a person of interest in the case.
Both the man and woman were known to the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims. More tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
A one year old child was also found crawling nearby.
Police have conducted another search in the Nausori Highlands in Nadi where the five victims were found on Monday.
Investigators searched yesterday the bottom of the cliff where the discovery was made.
Police say with the help of villagers the team of officers searched the rugged terrain to try and find more clues that could help establish the circumstances surrounding the family's death.
Investigations continue.
Police are yet to classify the case.
The man and woman who were taken in for statements have been released.
Police had confirmed that the man was a person of interest in the case.
Both the man and woman were known to the family from Legalega.
Investigators have revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims.
More tests will be conducted by the Fiji Police Chemistry Scientific Lab in Nasova.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
Nirmal Kumar, his wife Usha Devi, their daughter Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters were laid to rest yesterday.
A Nadi man who is a holder of a permanent residency in New Zealand, has been charged in relation to the murder of the three adults and two children in the Nausori Highlands last month.
Police confirm that the man has been charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
The man will be produced in the Nadi Magistrates Court later today.
The bodies of the family members from Legalega were found in the Nausori Highlands on the 26th of August.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
The bodies were of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
[Photo:Fiji Police Force]
A one year old child was found crawling nearby. She is the late Nileshni's niece.
Her mother lives in Australia.
A 62-year-old Legalega man who is a holder of permanent residency in New Zealand, Muhammad Raheesh Isoof has been charged in relation to the murder of the three adults and two children in the Nausori Highlands last month and has been further remanded in custody.
Isoof has been charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
His lawyer, Iqbal Khan applied for bail, however, this was rejected by the Nadi Magistrates Court.
The case has been adjourned to the 25th of this month and will be heard in the Lautoka High Court.
The man knew the family from Legalega and his occupation has been listed as a bus driver.
The bodies of the family members were found in the Nausori Highlands on the 26th of August.
The bodies were of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
A 1-year-old child was found crawling nearby. She is the late Nileshni's niece. Her mother lives in Australia.
Investigators had revealed that the findings of the post mortem examination were consistent with a substance consumed by all five victims.
No visible injuries were found on the five people.
Mohammed Raheesh Isoof, who allegedly murdered five people in the Nausori Highlands in August last year has been further remanded in custody.
Defence lawyer, Iqbal Khan has requested clear CCTV footage and he was informed to write to the DPP’s Office detailing which CCTV footage was not clear.
The 62-year-old is facing five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
He holds permanent residency in New Zealand.
The bodies were of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
A 1-year-old child was also found crawling nearby.
The case has been adjourned to the 5th of next month for mention.
Defence Lawyer, Iqbal Khan has today told the Lautoka High Court that he needs to view the original CCTV footage in relation to the case of Mohammed Raheesh Isoof who allegedly murdered five people in the Nausori Highlands in August last year.
The court has now allowed Khan to visit the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Lautoka to view the original footage.
Khan informed the court that once he views the CCTV footage, he will be able to finalise the pre-trial conference documents that were served on him by the State.
62-year-old Mohammed Raheesh Isoof is facing five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
He holds permanent residency in New Zealand.
The bodies were of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years.
A 1-year-old child was also found crawling nearby.
The case has been adjourned to the 25th of this month and Isoof has been remanded in custody.
Mohammed Raheesh Isoof who is alleged to have murdered a family of five and attempted to murder a 1-year-old child in the Nausori Highlands has filed an appeal in the Fiji Court of Appeal after the High Court refused to release him on bail.
The High Court has refused his application for bail on three occasions.
The alleged incidents occurred on 26th August, last year.
Isoof is facing five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Justice Chandana Prematilaka will hear the matter on notice.
Isoof is appealing on the grounds that the High Court Judge erred in law when he refused his bail application and that the Judge relied on inadmissible evidence.
The bodies of 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years were found in the Nausori Highlands.
A 1-year-old child was also found crawling nearby.
The Lautoka High Court has found Mohammed Raheesh Isoof guilty of murdering five people in the Nausori Highlands in August 2019.
He was charged with five counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The bodies of a 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years were discovered in the Nausori Highlands.
Kajal’s 1-year-old niece was also found crawling nearby.
Isoof will be sentenced on Friday.
The Lautoka High Court has sentenced Mohammed Raheesh Isoof to life imprisonment for the murder of five people in the Nausori Highlands in August 2019.
He will have to spend 20 years in prison after which he can apply for pardon.
Isoof was found guilty of 5 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The bodies of 63-year-old carpenter, Nirmal Kumar, his 54-year-old wife, Usha Devi, their 34-year-old daughter, Nileshni Kajal and Kajal's two daughters aged 11 and 8 years were discovered in the Nausori Highlands.
Kajal’s 1-year-old niece was also found crawling nearby.
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