81-year-old Mani Lal of Vatulaulau Stage 2 Ba was robbed after approaching someone for assistance while trying to withdraw his pension from a BSP Bank ATM last Saturday.
His granddaughter Swastika Sahai says Lal had asked a man nearby, whom he trusted for help, however, the man withdrew the pension money and fled.
Speaking to fijivillage News, she shares that her grandfather’s entire pension was stolen, which he relied on for his daily livelihood.
Sahai explains that her grandfather does not carry a mobile phone and is now shocked, worried, and traumatised.
Sahai says her grandfather has since had to run between banks and the police station, trying to access CCTV footage, and enduring significant stress, all in an effort to reclaim his money.
Meanwhile, National Senior Citizens Committee Chairman Vineel Nand has expressed deep concern over the incident, strongly condemning the act and calling on the Fiji Police Force to act swiftly, apprehend the culprit, and impose harsher penalties.
Nand says the incident highlights a growing concern for the safety and dignity of senior citizens, who are increasingly becoming targets of exploitation.
He suggests the introduction of door-to-door services or a direct voucher system instead of cash withdrawals for pensioners.
Nand also points out that many elderly people do not have easy access to transport and must rely on family members or hire taxis, which can be difficult and costly—especially for those who cannot drive or walk properly.
He adds that banks should implement dedicated senior citizens’ queues or seating arrangements, where staff can assist the elderly with withdrawals and provide written transaction records to ensure transparency and support.
Nand urges the public to remain vigilant and work together to protect older citizens, stating that every elderly person deserves to live with dignity, respect, and safety.
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