Attorney-General and Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has described as unacceptable and malicious the sacrilege of the Nav Durga Mandir in Baulevu, outside of Nausori.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum visited the site yesterday accompanied by a team of ministers and assistant ministers.

He also donated two Holy Ramayana books to mandir elders.

“What happened here is completely unacceptable. Sometimes break-in does take place, in particular of course we have seen in the past at places of worship where temples have been easy targets,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“But the fact that we have people going out of their way and burning the scriptures is quite malicious.

“Just because they came to steal, and they found nothing doesn’t mean they have to burn scripture books. This is an attack on someone’s religion. If someone burns down a religious book, it is attacking someone’s religion.

Baulevu resident, Jitendra Prasad with the burnt religious book at the Temple in Baulevu, Nausori on January 30, 2022.
Photo: Leon Lord

“This act is against the law, it is called sacrilege. It is an offence. We all know what happened is wrong. Police will make sure that those who did this will be tracked down.

“People need to come forward and tell us what happened and if you suspect someone, please tell the police that.

“I could not find the Holy Ramayana book in Suva, so I brought two from the West. Please accept these copies of the Holy Ramayana. This is a small gift from us.  I know the burning of the Holy Ramayana has psychologically affected people. It is not good to attack others’ faith.”

He told those present that the Assistant Commissioner of Police Itendra Nair will lead investigations.

Pundit Vineshwar Sharma of Nav Durga Mandir said the ashes of Holy Ramayana would be dispersed in the sea.