Police have denied claims by the Fiji Labour Party that a police caravan has been set up outside the sugar cane farm of Minister for Public Enterprises Charan Jeath Singh in Waiqele, Labasa.
This comes as FLP questioned whether Singh is being given special protection at taxpayers’ expense when there are over 3,000 cane farms in Labasa.
They ask that if it is so, why is special privilege being granted to the Minister by the Fiji Police Force.
FLP says three police officers are reportedly on duty there 24/7 for a month now and asks how much is this costing the taxpayer.
They say Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu must tell the farmers of Labasa why this special protection is accorded to the Minister at taxpayers’ expense for a farm that is his personal property and not owned by the government.
The party also demands that Tudravu tell the nation why the police is not out in force keeping similar watch over the farms of other farmers in Labasa.
FLP adds that Charan Jeet Singh is a prosperous businessman and can afford to hire a private security firm to guard his farm if he is so worried.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News, police say the caravan is in the compound where a Police officer is renting.
They say police officers are patrolling the area due to increased number of cane burning.
Police add the caravan is a resting place for officers who are patrolling the sugar cane fields and it’s in a compound where they can access water and bathroom facility.
