A distressed father is seeking justice after his 15-year-old son was allegedly attacked and severely burned in Lautoka on Monday night.
Rajesh Kumar, a fisherman of Wairabetia, alleged his adopted son, Isea Manukiwai, was lured from a temple near their home before two youths allegedly poured hot liquid over his body.
Mr Kumar claimed the alleged incident happened while the teenager was having dinner at the temple.
“My son was having his dinner when two boys called him outside,” he claimed.
“Around half past eight someone called me to say my son was hurt.”
He claimed the teenager followed the suspects to the Wairabetia bus stop where the alleged attack took place.
“I don’t know what they poured on him but it burned his clothes and body.
“He was crying out in pain and asking for help. I thought my son was going to die that night.”
The injured boy was rushed to the Lautoka Hospital where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with second-degree burns.
“I don’t know how anybody could do this to a 15-year-old boy.”
The 46-year-old said he lodged a police report on the same night and was urging authorities to take action.
Mr Kumar, who adopted Isea when he was six months old, said he fears for the safety of his family.
He claimed one of the alleged suspects was outside his home early yesterday morning.
Police confirmed receiving the report.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said investigations were in progress.
