Diwali celebrations were ruined for the Hindu community of Tagnikula in Labasa after the Shiv Kailash Parvath Mandir was allegedly burgled on Tuesday night.

Temple Committee president, Bivendra Prasad, said the incident came as a shock to devotees, temple members and the Hindu community in the area.

“I could not sleep after the break-in because along with some temple members, we stayed back at the temple until yesterday morning.”

He said this was the first such incident took place in 15 years.

“Destroying or stealing from a religious premises is not a sign of an ideal or good person, and serious attention must be made when new people reside in an area,” Mr Prasad said.

What allegedly happened

The window gauze was allegedly cut open enabling the perpetrator to gain access into the temple.

Temple caretaker and committee member, Rajen Prasad, claimed that two money bank padlocks had been cut, however, the money till was not opened.

“Ever since I started to look after the property seven years ago, this is the first time the incident happened,” he said.

After this, temple treasurer, Ishwar Chand, reported the matter at the Labasa Police Station at 6: 30 pm.

Mr Chand said the perpetrator tampered with the CCTV camera in the temple.

“The three CCTV cameras inside the temple were turned downwards to avoid his face from being identified,” he reiterated.

“The moment we reached the temple from the back road, the thief had run away with the money as the main lock was damaged and the bank cut open.”

According to Mr Chand, money was scattered around when they arrived inside and a traditional suki bottle was discovered at the temple entrance.

He claimed almost $2300 from the safe was stolen while $1200 was recovered.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, confirmed receiving the report however Police was yet to establish and confirm details as investigations were still ongoing.

Story by: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj