NZ police in Fiji to question burnt woman's husband

Diwesh Sharma (left) and Ranjeeta Sharma (far right) with family. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand police detectives have arrived in Fiji to question the husband of a woman burnt alive on the side of a rural road near Huntly.

Twenty-eight-year-old Ranjeeta Sharma was found on fire near the township of Rotowaro, 10km west of Huntly last Thursday.

Police yesterday confirmed they had tracked down her husband Diwesh Kumar Sharma at a home in the Rakiraki District, west of the Fijian capital Suva.

He had left New Zealand with son Akash, 4, on Friday - one day after Mrs Sharma was killed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said the Waikato officers in Fiji would decide what course an ongoing homicide investigation into Mrs Sharma's death would take after speaking to Mr Sharma.

The results of their questioning could dictate whether Mr Sharma returns to New Zealand, he said.

"It's still too early to tell what processes will be undertaken once the investigation team has spoken to him.

A spokesman from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday confirmed New Zealand has an agreement with Fiji allowing the extradition of those facing criminal charges.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said the officers would also be looking to find a home for Akash while they were in Fiji.

"Our officers will be looking at assisting with the assessment and advice on the care and protection of that child, working with the New Zealand High Commission in Fiji who are liaising with Fijian authorities.

"The team have received the full cooperation of not only the Fijian authorities but a number of other New Zealand Government agencies and members of the public which has allowed our investigation to progress very quickly to this point."

A Fiji police spokesman yesterday said Akash was in good health and staying with relatives in the Rakiraki district.