Pacific / Fiji

Fiji whistleblower left for dead

17:21 pm on 1 September 2016

A Fiji businessman was left for dead after being attacked in his home on Tuesday, allegedly by security forces.

Rajneel Singh had earlier blown the whistle on what appeared to be an assassination plot against senior members of the Fiji government.

Mr Singh's lawyer, Aman Ravindra-Singh, confirmed Mr Singh was attacked in his home on Tuesday afternoon.

A screenshot of video showing Rajneel Singh in Fiji lying on the floor of his home during an attack. His lawyer, Aman Ravindra-Singh, says he believes the footage is genuine. Photo: Supplied

"After he was beaten a plastic bag was tied over his head and fastened with industrial tape" - Aman Ravindra-Singh

A video also emerged on social media showing the attack and his lawyer said he believed it to be genuine.

Mr Ravindra-Singh said Mr Singh was still suffering after allegedly being tortured by security forces last November.

In the latest incident, Mr Ravindra-Singh said two men in police attire arrived at Mr Singh's home while his family were out.

He said Mr Singh was beaten, a plastic bag was tied over his head, his hands and legs tied and he was left to choke.

"This was an attempted murder on Mr Singh," said Mr Ravindra-Singh.

"It is very difficult for him to even speak with all the trauma associated with the attack."

He said family members arrived back and called the police, who arrived and saw Mr Singh motionless on the ground.

Family members took him to hospital and he has since been released.

Mr Ravindra Singh said he has since visited Mr Singh's home and taken photos of the scene.

He said a Fiji police jacket was left behind after the attack and the police, despite being aware of the attack, were yet to take any action.

No one was interviewed or brought to justice over the November attack despite the evidence given so far, he said.

"This man was tortured by members of the military and the police on or about the November 21 last year and there has been a concerted effort to cover up the persons who are involved in torturing Rajneel Singh."

Last year, Mr Singh found details of plans to destabilise the government on an unattended computer in his cafe, and then called police - who he claims later assaulted him.

He said he was beaten by police, burnt with a piece of metal and abandoned in a pine plantation.

Investigation under way

The Fiji police say an investigation is under way into this week's incident.

A police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said Mr Singh's wife lodged a complaint with the Lautoka Police on Tuesday.

Ms Naisoro said the police were investigating and trying to establish the identities of those behind the attack.