More than a month since the death of Anare Cagi Francis of Wailevu in Macuata, his family is calling on the police for a proper investigation into what they believe is a case of murder.
While the police initially ruled the death a suicide, the family strongly disputes the conclusion.
A close relative, Nete Francis, said his body was found after two weeks and showed signs of injuries.
“There were visible wounds on his body,” he said.
“His body wasn’t hanging.”
Mr Francis said the family had identified a possible suspect and had shared the information with the authorities.
“We gave the details and pleaded for action,” he said.
He said CID officers only arrived after several weeks although, initially, they didn’t collect statements.
“They only began questioning individuals much later,” he added.
Mr Francis also accused the police of not taking the case seriously from the beginning.
“Only two officers and one forensic person came at first.
“Then four civilian officers showed up later. They turned a blind eye.
“The investigation wasn’t done properly.”
In response, the Fiji Police Force said that upon completion of the investigation, the file would be sent to the resident magistrate for an inquest.