Human remains found in Navua river vehicle

Human bones have been discovered in the vehicle that was pulled out of the Navua River yesterday afternoon.

Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations ACP Luke Navela confirmed that the police team is working to find out whether the bones belong to the two children.

NAVELA: “We have retrieved the car in Navua that was missing since 10years ago, the car is now in our custody and there is evidence of human remains in the car. At the moment, our forensics people are working to finalise further details and investigations continue.”

ACP Navela said the bones has been assessed as human remains.

A team of the Fiji Police Force and National Fire Authority winched out the vehicle yesterday.

The vehicle is currently at the Navua Police station.

Police and National Fire Authority officers in Navua have retrieved the vehicle which was found submerged in the Navua river for almost 10 years.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that the vehicle is now on land.

NAISORO: “Yes the car has been retrieved, it’s on land now. It has been secured and we will have a look at it.”

Police investigations continue.

Operations into the retrieval of the vehicle which was found submerged in the Navua river is expected to resume tomorrow furthering consultations by the Fiji Police Force and the Fijian Navy.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho has sought the advice of the Navy Commander John Fox on the best way to salvage the car.

NAISORO: “They will resume operations tomorrow. The Commissioner of Police has stressed to his officers that he wants to retrieve as much of the vehicle in tact so that investigators are able to examine it and find answers to what happened and bring some closure to the victim’s family.”

Background:

The vehicle driven by 42‑year‑old Davendra Kumar was last seen on the 19th of April, 2006. Also in the vehicle with Davendra was his 32‑year‑old wife Nirupa Devi, and their children, 9‑year‑old Dipshika Kumar and 3‑year‑old Edwin Kumar.

The remains of the parents, Davendra Kumar and Nirupa Devi were found at a beach in Pacific Harbour a year later and the remains were identified by their daughter.

Police did not find any remains of their two kids.