Police conduct under scrutiny after Lautoka assault video

Police Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into an alleged assault near the Lautoka Market police post after a video circulating on social media raised questions about the conduct of individuals believed to be plainclothes police officers.

The footage appears to show a man being assaulted near the market, prompting calls for accountability and action by the Fiji Police Force.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that the matter was under investigation.

“Internal Affairs is investigating,” Ms Naisoro said.

The video was shared on social media by a man who identified the alleged victim as his brother-in-law.

The footage is believed to have been recorded by the alleged victim's sister.

According to the social media post, the man had been speaking to his sister when individuals nearby, believed to be police officers dressed in civilian clothing, allegedly assumed his remarks were directed at them.

The person who shared the video claimed the man was intoxicated at the time of the incident.

He further alleged that the man was assaulted, placed inside a vehicle and assaulted again before being returned to the area.

These claims have not been independently verified.

Calls for accountability

The social media post criticised the alleged conduct, raising concerns that misconduct by individual officers could damage public confidence in the wider police force.

Other social media users also called for a prompt investigation and appropriate action if wrongdoing was established.

The allegations have raised questions about police accountability and the need for a fair and transparent investigation.

It remains unclear whether the individuals shown in the footage are police officers, and the circumstances leading to the alleged assault have not been established.

Police have not confirmed the identities of those involved or whether any disciplinary or criminal action will follow.

The Internal Affairs investigation is continuing.