2 Dead, Alleged Murder Suicide Shocks Community
Members of a peaceful community were in a state of shock after a 59-year-old man and his wife were found dead at their home last Saturday.
It is alleged that the man murdered his wife and then took his own life.
Disturbed members of the community at Saweni Beach in Lautoka were in left in shock wondering what the motive was and what transpired.
Sundreshan Goundar’s 51-year-old wife, Lata (as she was affectionately known to neighbours) sustained multiple wounds.
A neighbour familiar with the family said he was in a state of disbelief when he heard the news.
The residence is cordoned off at Saweni Beach in Lautoka. Photo: Yogesh Chandra
“I was confused to hear this because the couple never had any quarrels or disputes,” he said.
“I had just met the late Mr Goundar in the morning of Saturday (day of incident) before departing to work.
“I saluted him and things looked normal—just like any other day.”
And the last time he met Mrs Goundar was on Thursday.
“Everything looked fine,” he said.
“They were a really happy couple and their residence was in a central location, therefore attracting frequent visitors as well.
“This is the first time for a disaster as such to happen in our community,” he said.
Mr Goundar was a chef at a restaurant in Savusavu prior to settling in Lautoka.
Another neighbour familiar with the family, but wishing to remain anonymous, said she was dumbstruck because she had seen the two together earlier.
“The couple has been living happily. Both of them liked me and always took time to talk to me,” she said.
“I did not see any signs of disputes or disagreements.
“The late couple are survived by three children—two daughters and a son. All are married.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a Lautoka couple died in what is believed to be an alleged murder suicide case on Saturday last week.
Ms Naisoro said the discovery was made by the couple’s daughter- in-law at their Saweni home when she found the woman lying in a pool of blood.
Police said that the daughter-in-law later discovered the victim’s dead husband outside their home.
A post-mortem examination of the two victims will be conducted to find out the cause of death as investigations continue. Edited by Percy Kean
Feedback: yogesh.chandra@fijisun.com.fj
