Syringe found after second temple break-in in two months
Nasole temple president blames repeated break-ins on drug activity in the area
Tuesday 25 August 2026 | 08:30
Updated 25 August 2026 | 14:21 FJT
Nasole Shri Satya Prakash Mandir (Nasole Temple) president Pranil Prasad points to a syringe found at the temple following a break-in on August 24, 2026.
Photos: Ronald Kumar
A used syringe was found near the ladies’ washroom at the Shree Satya Prakash Mandir in Nasole, Nasinu, following the temple’s second break-in in two months.
The latest break-in occurred on Sunday, just days before the temple’s 29th anniversary celebration.
Temple president Pranil Prasad said the intruder damaged a fence, prised open a grill and entered through the roof before moving through the ceiling into the toilet area and eventually reaching the main prayer hall.
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“He must have been injected (with drugs) before he entered. He had climbed in from the top of the roof, that was how he got inside,” Mr Prasad said.
He said tissue paper had been placed over the lenses of CCTV cameras, disabling their view.
Loose coins and the Devi idol’s shringaar (sacred adornments) were taken, while damage was estimated at more than $2000.
“It’s not our first time, it’s our second time for this year,” Mr Prasad said, adding that the previous break-in occurred in May.
Mr Prasad alleged that drug use in the area was contributing to the repeated incidents. “There are gangs here, plenty of them, taking drugs. The drugs are the main thing behind this,” he said.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro could not confirm yesterday whether the syringe had been sent for forensic testing.
Mr Prasad said additional security measures would be put in place, including the installation of more grills and the hiring of security personnel.
He said the measures were intended to ensure devotees could “come freely” for prayers.
