Ashmita Kumar calls fallen officer husband a ‘true hero’

Ashmita Kumar described her husband, Police Traffic Officer Dharmesh Krishna, as a true 'hero' who died in the line of duty, after he succumbed to serious injuries last Saturday.

The 44-year-old officer passed away early yesterday morning at Labasa Hospital after sustaining serious injuries while conducting traffic operations with Land Transport Authority (LTA) officers in Labasa.

Police said a 45-year-old driver allegedly hit two parked vehicles and, as a result, struck two officers standing on the side of the road.

The officer was trapped under the truck and was rushed to hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

The scene of the motor vehicle accident which caused serious injuries to police traffic officer, Dharmesh Krishna, in Labasa Town on December 8, 2025.

Photo: Supplied

Family mourns in disbelief

This masthead visited Ms Kumar at her Namara, Labasa, residence yesterday and found family members comforting her as they mourned.

She is survived by her 16-year-old daughter, Dipshita Krishna, and said the journey ahead would be challenging but she is determined to support her.

"My husband was a loving father, compassionate, helpful and family- and community-oriented person," she said.

Ms Kumar said her husband died as a 'true hero who served the country well'.

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu conveyed the organisation's condolences to the officer's family.

Mr Tudravu said the loss is a reminder of the dangers faced by police officers daily.

When asked about her last interaction with her late husband, Ms Kumar said they last met at 10pm on Saturday before Mr Krishna left for his night shift.

The deceased was collaborating with LTA officers in joint traffic night operations along the main street of Labasa Town.

Ms Kumar said the last words from her husband would never be forgotten: “I am going to work, I will come back tomorrow morning,” she recalled.

The late Mr Krishna served for 18 years in the police force since joining in 2007.

She was informed via phone by an officer after which she relayed the message to her Year 11 daughter.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Ms Kumar said she kept faith and prayed that God would help her husband recover.

"I was just praying for his recovery," she tearfully recalled.

Financially, the family now faces the loss of a stable income earner; however, she is employed at RB Patel Supermarket in Labasa.

Ms Kumar reiterated justice should be served and the driver responsible brought to account.

"The loss will never be compensated in any way, however, justice should be served".

The 43-year-old Ms Kumar was married to Mr Krishna for 19 years.

From the early hours of yesterday morning, family members arrived in numbers to show their support for her.

"Many family members kept on coming and going, so I am thankful for this support," she said.

According to the family, the funeral service will be held at their residence with the final resting place at Tuatua Public Cemetery.

Police
In an official police statement, the Fiji Police Force said they mourned the loss of a comrade who died while on duty.

The Force said Mr Krishna had conducted a traffic stop along the Labasa–Nasekula Road.

The second victim remains admitted in hospital, and the suspect will be questioned soon.

Mr Tudravu said the rise in the number of road accidents and fatalities remained concerning.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family. Necessary support will be provided in accordance with the officer's final rites," he added.