A Fiji man who suffered brutality and torture at the hands of the police has been awarded 79-thousand US dollars in damages by the High Court.
The court was told that 45-year old Labasa taxi driver Subhas Mani was detained for three days for alleged robbery with violence in November 2004 during which he was allegedly assaulted by Assistant Superintendent Waisea Kadawa.
Mr Mani also had hot chillie rubbed on the most sensitive parts of his body, including the genitals, eyes and mouth, by detective Ramendra Kumar who has since migrated to New Zealand.
When he asked to be taken to hospital he was told there was no vehicle.
Mr Mani suffered many broken bones and trauma and has been unable to perform the work he used to do.
Justice John Byrne awarded 79-thousand US dollars in damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings, exemplary and special damages, as well as interest.
Justice Byrne has also ruled that the police officers implicated must be disciplined.
