THE National Farmers Union has called for an investigation into the serious allegations of arson attempts at the Lautoka and Rarawai sugar mills.
NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh should also be investigated for allegedly spreading fake news and inciting fear and ill-will in the sugar industry.
“The minister is making very serious allegations but has not provided a shred of evidence to back up his claims,” he said.
“He must be investigated for making wild, inflammatory statements to create fear and alarm.”
Mr Chaudhry said the claims were absurd, as confirmed by the National Fire Authority, that the fire at the Rarawai mill involved diesel fuel, machinery, and electrical components, and may have been fuelled by bagasse scattered on the floor.
“The minister’s ‘conspiracy’ theories are designed to divert attention from the failures occurring under his watch.
“He is desperately looking for scapegoats as the mills move from one crisis to another.”
