Burnt-alive woman's husband on way to NZ

Ranjeeta Sharma pictured with her son. Photo / Supplied

Davesh Sharma, the husband of the woman who was found burnt alive near Huntly last week, is on his way back to New Zealand.

Mr Sharma had left New Zealand with his four year-old son Akash the day after his wife Ranjeeta Sharma, 28, was found alight on the side of a rural road.

He was brought into police custody on Tuesday.

Fiji Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said Mr Sharma left Fiji for New Zealand voluntarily at 11.30am this morning, but was being escorted by New Zealand police.

Mr Sharma's return comes as his wife is farewelled at a service in Fiji today. She is due to be cremated after a funeral at Wailoaloa Cemetery in Nadi at 1pm, the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Waikato police have refused to release details about the inquiry, although they confirmed yesterday the man was yet to be charged.

"We are currently evaluating the various options available to us," Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall said.

"Our investigation has been benefiting from the full support of not only the Fijian police, but that of other agencies both over there and back here in New Zealand."

Mr Keall said police were still in discussion with people in relation to the ongoing care and protection of Akash, who is staying with relatives in Fiji.

Police said extradition was "one of the processes that was on the table and will be worked through".

Mr Keall said police were carrying out a variety of inquiries "that are all combining to build up a clearer picture of what has happened."

- with NZPA