POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has not denied claims that military personnel allegedly attempted to access and assault a suspect while he was in Police custody.
“He (Mr Valenitabua and his client) can lodge an official report if he wishes,” he said when asked about the allegation.
Questions sent to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua regarding the alleged incident remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
The allegation relates to a key suspect believed to be linked to the alleged assault of a 20-year-old military officer’s son along Mead Rd, Nabua, last weekend.
The suspect’s lawyer, Simione Valenitabua, said his client voluntarily surrendered at the Nabua Police Station at about 1pm on Wednesday after learning he was a person of interest.
Mr Valenitabua said his client had returned from Levuka before surrendering for questioning.
He said the Police interview was later suspended after they raised the issue of an alibi and informed investigators that his client was not present at the alleged scene of the crime.
Because the holding cells at the Nabua Police Station are undergoing renovation, Mr Valenitabua said his client was transferred to the Samabula Police Station.
He alleged that several military officers arrived at the Samabula station at about 11pm that night and “roughed up” his client.
His client later relayed the incident to him and expressed concern about his safety.
Yesterday his client was returned to the Nabua Police Station for further questioning.
