Fiji Sun

Fire survivor says incident could have been avoided

- LAISA LUI Edited by Ivamere Nataro

Bal Krishna, the survivor of the recent fire that killed his mother and her three friends in Benau, Labasa, says the fatal incident could have been avoided. Reeling from the shocking experience, Mr Krishna said his late mother, Nagama, 70, had always made numerous complaints to the police.

He said because of his mother’s actions in trying to stop the wave of crimes in the area, his house was always targeted.

“Ever since May last year, the people here (Benau) have been living in fear as houses were stoned and burgled and other sorts of crime,” Mr Krishna claims.

“Benau is a red spot for selling drugs and is a hub for criminal activities. The Police Force should continue to monitor and protect the community.

“My mother had reached out for help from authoritie­s to protect our community, had the Police looked into her request, then all this could have been avoided.”

Mr Krishna said families would take turns staying up at night to watch out for trespasser­s.

Police spokespers­on Ana Naisoro said two men from the same community had been questioned in relation to the fatal fire last Thursday.

Police investigat­ions into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, the family of the victims are waiting for the postmortem examinatio­n and DNA test results before planning the funeral.

 ?? Photo: laisa Lui ?? Bal Krishna(second from left) with the grieving community in Benau on May 3, 2020.
Photo: laisa Lui Bal Krishna(second from left) with the grieving community in Benau on May 3, 2020.

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