Another act of sacrilege has been reported at the Shri Sanatan Daram Prakash Ramayan Mandir (Vishnu Temple) in Nadera, Nasinu, marking the third such incident within a week. During heavy rainfall on Thursday, thieves broke into the temple, stealing approximately $1,500 in offerings, as stated by temple vice president Rohit Dayal.
This latest break-in involved the intruders bypassing reinforced front doors and gaining access through the roof, where they tore down plywood to enter. The temple’s vice president expressed distress over the theft, which included money intended for temple upkeep and various offerings.
Dayal reported that the cost of repairs from this incident is estimated at around $2,000, following approximately $3,500 previously spent on fixes from earlier break-ins, including one that occurred on June 4, where fingerprints were taken but no updates on progress were provided by law enforcement.
The Fiji Police Force has deployed a dedicated Southern Division Taskforce to assist Valelevu Police in the investigation, which includes the utilization of K9 officers and community inquiries. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” against a sanctuary and emphasized the need to avoid misinformation that could incite division within the community.
These incidents of vandalism not only threaten the safety of places of worship but also disrupt community harmony. Similar recent events across Fiji, such as break-ins at the Gangamma Temple and the Tulsi Tirath Mandir, highlight an urgent need for enhanced security and community awareness in protecting religious sites.
As the investigation unfolds, there is hope that these troubling events can galvanize communities together to reinforce their commitment to safeguarding sacred spaces and fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding among diverse faiths. Police and community dialogues may lead to improved protective measures, ensuring that places of worship continue to be sanctuaries for all.
Leave a comment