Police Probe Temple Break-Ins

The Fiji Police Force treats cases of sacrilege very seriously, says Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu.

He says the Police force cannot allow criminals to think they can get away with targeting places of worship. His comments yesterday come after two temples in Savusavu were broken into and money from secured boxes stolen within one week.

“The sacrilege cases are of major concern and our officers are working on some leads they have gathered,” Acting Commissioner Tudravu said.

“On April 9 someone broke into Latchmi Vishnu Narain Temple at Verevere in Savusavu and stole $100 from temple’s money box.

“On April 13 someone broke into Naagdev Temple at Nukuloa Settlement in Savusavu and stole about $60. “From the North last year in October we received a report of break-in at Nagigi Naag Temple in Labasa where more than $7000 was stolen from the temple’s money box.” He has confirmed that no arrest has been made yet and investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Latchmi Vishnu Narain Temple committee president Bharat Lal said the temple has been in existence for more than 30 years and this was first time someone broke into it and stole money.

“When our priest, who lives beside the temple, opened the door he saw three louvre blades removed and money boxes broken and all money stolen,” Mr Lal said. “The temple is a sacred place where worshippers gather to worship.

“I don’t know how can people have the courage to breakin and steal right before god.

“Such kind of behaviour cannot be condoned.” Naagdev Temple committee treasurer Suren Prasad said although a small amount of money was stolen they could not imagine that this had happened.

“Temples, churches and mosque are sacred places where god lives,” Mr Prasad said.

“How can a human being choose to do wrong against their god.

“No religion teaches devotees to steal.

“We have reported at Savusavu Police Station and we hope such kind of crime comes to an end.”

Nagigi Naag Temple committee manager Dhiren Chand said the money was not retrieved and no arrests made. “I have been following up with Police and they had informed that no arrest has been made as there is no lead,” Mr Chand said.

“Such kind of criminal act cannot be condoned.”