Police look into extraditing former citizen

The New Zealand and Fiji governments are expected to discuss the extradition of the former Fiji citizen arrested in Rakiraki, who is alleged to have killed his wife on a Waikato roadside.

Devesh Kumar Sharma, an Auckland courier driver, and the couple’s four year old son, was found early yesterday at a relative’s house in Rakiraki.

Ranjeeta Sharma was found burned to death next to a Huntly Road last week.

A homicide investigation was launched on Saturday after it was established that Sharma was alive when she was set alight, and that an accelerant was used.

Following the alleged murder, Sharma’s husband allegedly fled to Fiji with their son.

Fiji Police Spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri confirmed that the man was arrested in Rakiraki on Monday night by a special team which was set up to locate him.

He said police were also able to locate the couple’s four year old son who is in good health and is in the care of his relatives.

According to Inspector Sokomuri they are working closely with the New Zealand Police to determine their next step.

Stuff.co reports this morning that NZ Police Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said their inquiry is continuing and they are seeking further clarification from Fiji police of the circumstances surrounding the father being located.

It said it was unclear yesterday what was likely to happen to their son.

Marama Wiki, General Manager of operations at Child, Youth and Family said they will work with police and Fijian authorities to ensure he is well cared for, on what is in the little boy’s best interests.
 
The NZ Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has confirmed that New Zealand has an extradition agreement with Fiji, and sources in Fiji have told Stuff.co that the extradition process would be fairly quick.

Sharma would probably be required to appear in Suva Magistrates Court, rather than in Rakiraki, because he was wanted on an Interpol linked matter.

Ranjeeta Sharma's body is expected to be flown to Fiji tomorrow.



Story by: Roneel Lal