Teen fights for life after father dies in alleged assault

A 16-year-old boy is fighting for his life in Lautoka Hospital after his father died in an alleged assault in Sigatoka on Sunday.

Vimal Nand, 38, died after he was allegedly assaulted while trying to protect his son during a confrontation over a horse.

The teenager’s 16-year-old friend, who was also allegedly assaulted, remains in critical condition at Sigatoka Hospital.

Two people, a father and his son, are in Police custody at Sigatoka Police Station in relation to the alleged assault.

Mr Nand’s wife, Anjita Singh, 37, said the day had started as a special outing for her husband, their son and his friend.

Ms Singh said her husband woke her at about 6am and told her he was taking their son, who attended Sigatoka Methodist College, and his friend horse riding.

“That was the first time he took our son out for an outing because he had recently bought a horse,” Ms Singh said.

“They were supposed to return at 8am. That was the last time we talked, and the last time I saw them.”

Ms Singh said she learnt of the incident after her husband was admitted to Sigatoka Hospital.

“He was badly beaten. When I saw him at the hospital, I could not even look at him properly because of the condition he was in. His face was badly bashed, and blood was all over his face.”

She said Mr Nand tried to protect their son when they were allegedly confronted by a group of men along the Queens Highway near the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.

“My husband tried to save my son, and they bashed him badly,” she said.

Mr Nand was found unconscious with injuries by his cousin and taken to Sigatoka Hospital. He was later transferred to Nadi Hospital and then Lautoka Hospital, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Mr Nand, who had worked as an accountant at Naviti Resort for 14 years, leaves behind his nine-year-old daughter, Jashika Pari.

His father, Sachida Nand, 61, described his son as his best friend.

“He was my best friend. I have two sons, and they live with me like my best friends. Anywhere we go, we go together. We never leave each other.

“It is heartbreaking. Now my son has died and my grandson is in critical condition, and his condition is not stable.”

Police said Mr Nand and the two 16-year-old students were allegedly assaulted after they were confronted about an incident involving one of his farm animals.

“The victim, with two 16-year-old students, was assaulted by the two when confronted about an incident regarding one of his farm animals, which the suspects had allegedly chased from the area,” Police said.

The two suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Police said a post-mortem examination would be conducted to determine the cause of Mr Nand’s death.