23 Sep 2004

Fiji police officer seeks reinstatement to scam inquiry

10:16 am on 23 September 2004

The Fiji police officer who was removed as head of the team investigating the multi-million dollar agriculture ministry scam is demanding justice.

Inspector Nasir Ali has been sent on leave.

But Fiji TV reports that he has lodged an official letter of complaint with the police commissioner asking why he was removed and calling for his team to be re-instated.

In his letter, Inspector Ali wants to know what was the purpose of fellow police storming into his office on Monday and not allowing him to properly hand over the exhibits, documents and files in his custody.

Inspector Ali has made serious allegations against at least four senior officers ranging from abuse of office and accepting bribes to one having an extra-marital affair.

He says that in the interests of justice, the commissioner should reinstate him and his officers to complete the task.

Inspector Ali says that in the event the commissioner fails to do so, he will do what his oath of allegiance to the nation demands that he do.

This includes exposing the criminal activities of senior officers.

The police spokesman, Mesake Koroi, has confirmed Inspector Ali will be disciplined for his public outbursts.

But Inspector Ali is quoted as saying the truth must prevail.