Family of Man Who Vanished in NT โคHarbour Renew Calls for โฃInvestigation
Darwin, NT – The family of Dhakiyarr Wirrpanda, who disappeared in Darwin โขHarbour in 1994 after being taken on a boat ride by police, are renewingโข calls for a fresh โinvestigation into the โฃcircumstances surrounding his death. The family believes crucial questions remain unanswered about the events leading up to his disappearance andโ are seeking greater clarity fromโค authorities.
For โnearly โขthree decades,the Wirrpanda family has sought answers regarding the death โฃof their 28-year-old relative. Dhakiyarr was taken out on โคtheโข harbour by policeโฃ officers following anโค arrest,and according to accounts,fell โฃoverboard.His body was not recovered for several weeks,โฃ and the family has long held concerns about the handling of โthe case, โขincludingโ allegations that officers “showed him, as you do,” – a statementโค made by former officer โขChatto during a recent interview. This renewed push for investigation โคcomes as the family proposes the establishment of a reconciliationโ center namedโ in DhakiyarrS honor,โค aiming to foster healing and address historical injustices.
Former police officer Chatto, speakingโ to the ABC, acknowledged the incident, stating, โ”Well, yeah, that’sโข right. I, I guess it, if it happened now, [there would] be a, a massive investigation.” Judge Armitage,who was present atโ the time,has not responded โto requests for โcomment.
The โขNT government has stated it will consider the family’s proposal for a reconciliation centre and refer it to the relevant department for review. The family hopes a renewed investigation will โขprovide clarity and closure, andโข that โthe proposed centre will serve as a lasting tribute to Dhakiyarr and a step towards reconciliation.
Reporting: Jason Walls
Photography: pete Garnish
Digital production: โฃ Jason Walls
Editing: Alicia Perera