Police Follow Leads in Temple Desecration, PM Concerned
Police are following several leads in the desecration of the Votualevu Tirath Dam Mandir at the weekend. Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho visited the temple yesterday and met with its committee members, who shared their disappointment with the events which violated their place of worship.
“I came in earlier today and had a briefing with the Officer in Charge at Namaka Police Station and there are several leads they are pursuing. Like I said before, this is totally unacceptable,” Commissioner Qiliho said.
“Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is concerned the temple was violated and he has reiterated the call for thorough investigations to be carried out.
“After the Police passout parade in Suva I met with the honourable Prime Minister who is very concerned and has stressed the importance of investigating this right away and getting the perpetrators to justice.
“The Prime Minister is seriously concerned that this has transpired. This hasn’t happened in a long time and warrants immediate action and investigation. We must send a strong message to the public that it is totally unacceptable.”
Brigadier-General Qiliho took a tour of the premises and was shown the extent of damage and graffiti done by the intruders on Saturday. “It has been so helpful to have the Police Commissioner come and visit us. This is our place of worship. We keep it sacred, we treasure it and for some people to come and just rubbish it has really hurt us.” mandir committee president Naresh Kumar said.
Intruders had painted over deities in the temple, painted graffiti on the walls and stole some equipment.
“If you take equipment it can be replaced because it is material, but when our gods are violated this is something sacrilegious and I cannot explain enough how much it has disturbed us,” Mr Kumar said.