A man has claimed that he was assaulted by security officers inside the Land Transport Authority office in Valelevu on Thursday October 15, 2020.

Ashraf Khan, 49, said he was at the LTA office with his 21-year-old son to clarify reasons for the detainment of his truck which led to the alleged incident.

Mr Khan operates Khan’s Hire Plant Services and owns a number of trucks. He had brought his truck registered EM756 for inspection.

“I usually bring my vehicles to the LTA for inspections a week or two earlier before registration expires, because if there is a defect, I still have time to do the repairs and have the vehicle up-to-date,” Mr Khan said.

“It was around 2pm. The vehicle inspector told me that there were defects which needed repairs before it could be passed. I told the driver to go while I waited for the report so I could get a diagnosis.

“Instead, my truck was stopped at the security gate.”

Mr Khan said they were at the LTA office for more than an hour because he was trying to find out the reasons for detainment since the fitness registration for his truck expires on October 20.

He said officers from the LTA’s audit team took him to their office for discussion on the matter.

“It was there when the chief executive officer, Samuel Simpson, came by and said to bring the security officers,” he said.

“I naturally have a loud voice, which I had explained to the LTA audit officer before we started talking, and I was a little frustrated because my truck was being detained without a reason.”

Mr Khan claimed the security officers arrived and while the parties were talking and started assaulting them.

He said punches were thrown at his son and him.

Mr Khan said he had done a medical report and had reported the matter to the Valelevu Police Station.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report was lodged.

Email sent to LTA chief executive officer, Samuel Simpson, remained unanswered. However, Mr Simpson responded on a phone call saying that the LTA had media consultants to respond to media queries.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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