Labasa temple manager says break-in “disgraceful, unjust”
The manager of a wellknown temple in Labasa feels that it is disgraceful thieves took advantage of Diwali to break-in and steal money from the temple.
The manager of the Nagigi Naag Mandir (snake temple) in Labasa, Dhiren Chand said: “What makes the matter worse is that the thieves took advantage of the very important day, Diwali and damaged the temple, which is a great disgrace to our god. “Money is not an issue here. It is about the disgraceful and unjust action perpetrated by some inconsiderate and disrespectful people.”
Police in Labasa have confirmed that they were now carrying out their investigation. They also suspect that it was a gang robbery. Mr Chand said the caretaker, as usual, went to the temple at 6am yesterday to open the temple and was surprised to see the temple’s money box open and money scattered on the floor
“When he entered the temple he found the steel money box broken from one corner and coins and a few notes scattered around the main prayer area,” Mr Chand said.
It is estimated that at least $15,000 was stolen by the suspects on Thursday night.
“I have been in the management for 17 years and this is the first time a huge amount of money has been stolen,” Mr Chand said.
In a month the money box is filled with about $10,000 donation from the devotees and travellers from all around world after offering their prayers to god,” Mr Chand said.
“Our treasurer has been sick and for the past seven weeks we have not taken out the money from the box.”
Mr Chand said money from the temple box would usually be donated to schools that needed help, families affected by house fires and the general maintenance of the temple.
When the Fiji Sun arrived at the scene, Police officers were conducting their investigation. The temple was open again to the public after midday yesterday.