Temple break‑in disturbs Nausori worshippers

Members of the Waila Prem Kirtan Ramayan Mandali say they are disturbed after a break‑in disrupted their place of worship and saw key musical instruments stolen.

The temple, located along Waila Feeder Road in Nausori, was allegedly broken into on Wednesday night, with the incident discovered the following morning.

Temple president Ajay Narayan said the thieves entered by breaking a sliding window and grill before ransacking the interior.

Among the items stolen were a harmonium musical instrument, commonly used during prayer sessions, and a vacuum cleaner.

“It’s a prayer place for our members and they are really upset about the incident,” Mr Narayan said.

The thieves are believed to have been searching for money but left with little more than loose change and the two items.

“There were only some loose coins, maybe about five dollars, because we hardly keep money inside the temple,” Mr Narayan said.

“Everything was scattered all over inside the temple — even our holy book was thrown onto the floor,” he said.

Mr Narayan said this was the third time the temple had been targeted, adding to the distress felt by members.

He added that while the financial loss was minimal, the damage and disrespect caused inside the place of worship were deeply upsetting.

Temple members have since repaired the damaged window and cleaned the premises but remain shaken by the incident.