Prinal Devi and Nalini Prasad, victims of an alleged robbery at the Lautoka Hotel in the early hours of New Year’s Day, are calling for justice after $2,300 was stolen from their room.
In an interview with fijivillage News, Devi says they were celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends when the incident occurred.
She says according to CCTV footage, the robbery took place at 1.03am where items such as a power bank, charger, dinner, and other belongings were stolen.
The 32-year-old says they were in another room with their friends when they were alerted by another friend.
She says they managed to recover their backpack, as the thief abandoned it while running away, but the stolen items were not recovered.
Devi says the hotel manager informed them that the suspect was in custody at the Lautoka Police Station.
However, upon arriving at the station, the officers told them that no one had been brought in.
Devi says the forensic team had collected evidence but expressed concern about the lack of updates regarding the investigation.
They also voiced frustration with the hotel’s director and Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, who allegedly told them to "go to hell."
Devi and Prasad posted a video on social media alleging that Singh was too drunk to assist them.
While responding to the accusations, Singh denied the claims, stating he did not say that, and labelled the allegations as lies.
Singh further alleged that Devi and Prasad were criminals themselves and claimed that some victims had reached out to him.
Devi and Prasad have rejected these claims.
Police have urged the women to allow them time for a thorough investigation to be completed.
