A NAKALOU villager from Dreketi has been arrested for allegedly attacking a cane farmer with a digging hoe.
Police spokesman Atunaisa Sokomuri said they were also investigating a claim of self defence which had been put up by the villager.
"Seaqaqa police have the man in their custody and we expect to lay charges soon," Mr Sokomuri said.
"We have interviewed the villagers who were harvesting cane at the time of the incident.
"They claim that the villager was only acting in self defence to protect himself after the victim charged at him with a cane knife," he said.
Uma Dutt received injuries to the left side of his head, left hand and ear in the violence on Sunday afternoon which erupted in an argument over food rations for the cane cutters.
Regional Police Commander Northern Senior Superintendent Luke Qionibaravi said the cane gang leader had approached the cane farmer Kishore Dutt, brother of the victim, and questioned him about the low food ration they were given.
"There was about 10 of them and they received four potatoes, two packets of noodles and a tin of canned fish," said SSP Qionibaravi.
"An argument broke out over the quantity of food.
"This broke out into a fight and reportedly the victim interrupted.
"We are urging members of the public not to take the law into their own hands.
"Those with a grievance should approach the proper authorities."
