Octogenarian, Krishan Vilash, walked proudly to the President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote to receive his 50th Independence commemorative medal at the State House yesterday.

Last Friday, the 83-year-old was beaten, bound, gagged and robbed at his home in Ackland Street, Vatuwaqa.

Mr Vilash said he was rudely woken at 3am to find three masked men standing over him.

A knife was put on his neck and he was forced to reveal the passwords to his electronic devices.

Then, the elderly businessman was tied, gagged and left in that state for six hours.

Police are still investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Mr Vilash said getting a medal was an honour and the emotions from the recognition helped him go past the trauma of the robbery.

Mr Vilash recalled being at Albert Park on October 10, 1970.

“It was a proud moment for Fiji back then and I believe it was a proud moment for us on Saturday as we celebrated our 50 years of independence,” he said.

Mr Vilash was 33 years old in 1970 and his business was just starting.

He said for Fiji to move forward, Fijians have to unite and work on a common goal.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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