A man has been taken into police custody following a break-in at the Shiv Mandir Temple in Samabula, Suva, on Friday. The suspect has been accused of vandalizing the sacred site and damaging numerous religious artifacts that have been preserved for years. A video that surfaced on social media depicted the individual causing significant destruction within the temple.
Krishneel Tiwari, the national secretary of the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, shared his distress over the incident, noting that it took place during a holy month for devotees when the temple was open to the public. He expressed gratitude for the quick response of the police, stating, “I couldn’t see the face of the culprit, but I am thankful that Police got here on time to handle the matter.”
Member of Parliament Virendra Lal has called for increased religious tolerance and expressed hope that justice will be served, reflecting the community’s anguish over the loss of sacred idols, which hold significant value for worshippers.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the suspect’s arrest, and law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the motives behind this act of vandalism. Such incidents of sacrilege have raised alarms regarding safety in places of worship across Fiji, highlighting a worrying trend that community leaders are trying to address.
Recent events have led to similar calls for unity and respect among different faiths in Fiji. Community leaders hope that these distressing circumstances will serve as an impetus for dialogue and concerted action to safeguard religious sites, emphasizing the importance of protecting the sanctity and safety of these cherished spaces. In the face of such challenges, there remains a hopeful aspiration for a strengthened sense of community and collective responsibility towards all faiths.
Leave a comment