Mother Awaits Justice After Daughter's Death in Ferris Wheel Incident

A year after a mother lost her daughter in a horrific Ferris wheel incident at the annual Fiji Showcase event, Sunita Wati is still waiting for justice.

Ms Wati has been on her knees daily praying that one day, those who were responsible for the death of her daughter, Kamal Kavita Kumar, would be held liable.

If that wasn't enough, Ms Wati faced another devastating blow when she lost her husband just a few months later. Life has become unbearable for their family in Dilkusha, Nausori, ever since.

She claimed her husband was silent at the core of enduring the pain, it led to his death.

"But I pray justice will prevail. I won't stop seeking answers," Ms Wati said with tears.

"I just want justice for my daughter."

On June 30 last year, 21-year-old Kamal died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) from injuries she suffered after falling off the Ferris wheel.

The incident seriously injured two other people who shared the same seat with Komal.

Since the incident, the police, Ministry of Employment, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) have been involved in the investigation.

One year later, no one has been charged.

Last month, the ODPP stated that after a comprehensive analysis of the file, the ODPP sent a letter to the Director CID and the Ministry of Employment on January 4, 2024, with recommendations that the police complete their parallel investigation and submit the file for further analysis of all the evidence.

While the decision on any potential charges rests with the ODPP, the ODPP has yet to receive any corresponding file from the police concerning the investigation.

The ODPP stated they were currently waiting for a full police report and completed investigation.

This masthead understands the owner of the Ferris wheel company that Komal and two other people fell from has left the country.

Minister for Home Affairs

Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said he understood the concern of the family and would ensure that necessary action was taken.

“Let me follow through with CID, I need to know how far the investigation has gone,” he said.

“I understand the family’s concern. I have to talk to the Police Commissioner on what’s the progress of the investigation.”

Fearing for the safety and well-being of Fijians, event and festival organisers have chosen to not include Ferris wheel’s in their events since then.

SETBACKS FOR FAMILY

Yesterday at their family home in Dilkusha, Nausori, Ms Wati is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her daughter, the youngest of her four children.

Still trying to recover from the pain she bears after the tragic accident, Ms Wati vows to be strong for her remaining children and grandchildren.

“I don’t need money, I just want justice for my daughter. That’s it,” she said.

“She (Komal) loved to put on make-up and dress herself up.”

She said officers came to her home last month but with nothing solid as to the progress of the investigation.

“She would have been here today, married and fulfilling her dreams but she’s gone,” Ms Wati said.

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