Police look for ‘escapee’

Listen to this article:

Police are looking for Pawan Vishal, 31, of Tabia, Labasa, who escaped from St Giles Hospital on Friday night. Picture: SUPPLIED

Police are looking for Pawan Vishal, 31, of Tabia, Labasa, who escaped from St Giles Hospital on Friday night.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa said after escaping, Mr Vishal forcefully took his wife Anjani Devi from her sister’s residence in Sakoca, Tacirua, leaving their children behind.

He said the couple had a custody hearing at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where the custody of their children was awarded to Ms Devi.

Mr Waqa said given Mr Vishal’s history of violence and drug addiction, he was ordered by the court to get medically evaluated since he was noted as having disoriented behaviour.

“This is a clear case of kidnapping and abduction which is an indictable offence,” Mr Waqa said.

“Additionally, the suspect has a drug history and violent behaviour.

“He is still of an unsound mind after his escape from St Giles Hospital before being properly treated.

“Please call 919, the Southern Division Command Center on 9905 529 or the National Command Centre on 9905 296 if you have any information on whereabouts of the couple.”