Taxi Driver Calls for Justice over Police Brutality

A taxi operator is calling for justice after he was allegedly turned away by Labasa Police Station officers on Wednesday.

Ravineel Prasad claims that he was beaten up by four officers while held in custody for two days (Monday and Tuesday).

“Look at my face, the way they beat me up just forcing me to confess that I was dealing with drugs,” Mr Prakash said.

“Upon release when I went to the same station telling the officers to take my report about the alleged brutality, they then refused.”

The 34-year-old man operating seven taxis in Labasa said people who abused their power should be taken to task.

Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemueli Baledrokadroka said the officers were working on locating him yesterday.

“We have internal mechanisms in place to deal with officers through disciplinary measures when a complaint is lodged, and for due processes to take its course,” SSP Baledrokadroka said.

“I want to assure members of the public that the matter will be investigated thoroughly.”

He said Mr Prakash’s report was lodged, and he was given medical treatment. But, when officers checked him at Labasa Hospital, he was missing and his medical report was also not found.

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