As couples around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day, Ranjni Devi is reminded of her profound loss and the unanswered questions that have haunted her for the past decade. It has been ten years since the tragic murder of her husband, Salesh Chand, whose charred body was found in his burned vehicle in Lautoka in June 2016. Chand, a former West regional manager for Vinod Patel, was classified as a murder victim, and the police investigation remains open but stagnant.
Ms. Devi, 46, who lives in Muanikoso Housing, Nasinu, expressed her heartache over the lack of progress, sharing that she has consistently sought updates from the police, only to be met with the same response: that inquiries are ongoing. “For 10 years, I have been asking for progress, and each time I’m told the investigations are still continuing,” she lamented, reflecting the frustration felt by many families in similar situations.
Compounding her anguish, Ms. Devi claims that her husband’s gold chain and pendant, which were reportedly taken as evidence at the scene of the crime, have never been returned. “I have proof that the officer removed the chain from his neck and kept it as evidence, but now I am being told they don’t have any jewellery,” she stated, highlighting her feelings of helplessness.
In her persistent quest for answers, Ms. Devi has reached out to various authorities, including the Police Commissioner, yet she feels ignored and unheard. “It has been 10 years, and they are still saying they are looking for people to interview. I have lost trust. In a small country like ours, how can it take this long?” she expressed, emphasizing a sentiment shared by many families seeking justice.
The police have assured Ms. Devi that they will look into her concerns and provide a response in due course. Her ongoing struggle illustrates the profound challenges families face when pursuing justice in unresolved cases. Despite her pain, Ms. Devi’s unwavering determination to find answers stands as a testament to her resilience and enduring love for her husband. Her story sheds light on the need for continued attention and action on cold cases, reminding us all of the personal tragedies behind every unsolved crime.