A former senior Police detective believes that the bodies of five people whose deaths remain a mystery were dumped in the Nausori Highlands.

The former detective aired his views on the case and investigations into the deaths of the five people more than two weeks ago.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he believes that Police want to carry out a proper investigation before laying charges against anyone.

Nirmal Kumar, 63, his wife Usha Kumar, 54, their daughter Nileshni Kajal, 34, and her two daughters Sanah, 11, and Samarah, 8, were found dead in the highlands on August 26.

One-year-old Samaira was found alive near the bodies of her grandparents, aunt and cousins by a villager who reportedly went to check on his cattle in the morning on that day.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the five people, who lived at Legalega in Nadi, died after ingesting some chemical. Further tests are being carried out by Police to find out what it was.

Dead…Nileshni Kumar and her two daughters Sana and Samara.

The former Police officer told the Fiji Sun that Police would have to know what it actually was.

“Police is awaiting proper test result on the chemical that was found in the five victims stomachs,” he said.

“Even if the suspect or suspects tell Police that they gave some kind of poison to the five deceased people in their food or drinks, Police have to wait for proper results.

“Once full results on the chemical are made available, then only will Police file charges against the suspect or suspects and prove the case in court.

“I think that’s why there is a delay in investigations and the laying of charges against whoever is responsible for the five people’s deaths.”

The former senior Police detective has been following the case in the media since the day the bodies were discovered.

Asked what he thought about Samaira being found near the bodies which were near the edge of a cliff, he said, “I think the bodies were dumped there and the little girl was left there”.

“From my point of view, the bodies and the little girl were discovered not long after they were left there,” he said.

“And if the five people died at the place a day earlier before the bodies were found, then I don’t think the little girl would have been there throughout the night until that Monday morning.

“I’m quite familiar with the Nausori Highlands area and if the bodies were dumped there, then I don’t think one person would have been able to do it alone.”

He said in this particular case, Police would also have to establish whether the poison was obtained locally or brought from abroad.

Police said investigations were progressing well, but they could not confirm when they would wrap up investigations.

The deaths of the five people remain a mystery so far.

A man and his wife, who are also from Legalega but with Permanent Residency status in New Zealand and living in Christchurch, are persons of interest for Police in the investigations.

A stop departure order against the couple means they cannot leave Fiji as Police carry out investigations into the mysterious deaths of the five people.

Edited by Percy Kean

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