Taxi drivers at the Suva Market Stand have raised concerns about safety of taxi drivers following the death of one of their collegues on Monday.

Edward Anil Raj, 47, was found dead in Toga, Nausori early Monday morning while his taxi was found in Jittu Estate, Samabula.

The case is yet to be classified as the cause of death remains unknown at this point in time. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the autopsy would be done today.

Kamlesh Prasad, taxi proprietor, employed Mr Raj as his driver. He said he was in shock after hearing of the news.

“I was called by Police around 7am on Monday morning because they had traced the vehicle number to me,” Mr Prasad said.

“I went and saw the taxi. The inside of the taxi was burnt. It is now parked at the Totogo Police Station.”

Mr Prasad said Mr Raj also suffered burns.

Taxi drivers at the stand said attacks on drivers were common and most of them were robberies.

They said with this incident, fears had soared to new lengths.

Fiji Taxi Union general secretary Ashwin Lal said driving a public service vehicle was becoming a dangerous profession.

“I have been in contact with the Police and they have assured the union that swift action would be taken,” Mr Lal said.

“The taxi fraternity is also fearful that with the festive season attacks on drivers would increase.”

Mr Raj’s wife Sanjini Radhika claimed that she had been told by Police that they would be checking the possibility of surveillance camera footage from a factory where the taxi was seen.

Taxi drivers at the Suva Market stand claimed to have seen Mr Raj’s taxi heading towards Koronivia at high speed.

Police investigation into the death of Mr Raj continues.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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