Residents Feel Unsafe After Break-ins

Four temples and five homes have allegedly been broken into at the Koronivia community in Nausori within the last three weeks.

Residents said they felt unsafe. Koronivia advisory council Satish Kumar said there was a need for Police presence between 10pm and 4am.

“At Sadhu Sarandas Mandir, it is the first time something like this has happened,” Mr Kumar said.

“The temple is more than 70 years old and it is sad for people to break into a temple and steal.”

“Two cooking stoves, two cylinders, one big rice cooker, an electric kettle and a water blaster were stolen. These items belonged to the women’s group of the temple who had their own fundraising to buy them.

“I hope something is done about this because this needs to stop.”

Prem Kumari, who takes care of the Durga Mata Mandir, said: “On Friday, we had a prayer gathering and on Sunday at around 1pm, I asked the boys to clean the temple. After cleaning they left and after 6pm we got to know that someone broke into the temple.

“Our God statues are heavy so it can’t be done by one person. I think they were looking for money under the statue. The temple was built for more than 50 years and this is the first time for us to go through something like this.

“I just hope that the Police will come here frequently. People drink and walk around like it is no one’s business. We need to feel safe in our own community.”

Resident Jagpalan is sad that they have to feel safe in their own homes.

Mr Jagpalan claims a similar incident happened last year and he was beaten up.

“This time they stole a bag. They stole the bag and left the book, which was inside the bag on our porch. Something needs to be done about all the robberies that have been happening in Koronivia.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that during the weekend there were two reports of sacrilege cases recorded in Koronivia, which were under investigation.

She also said operations had been directed to strengthen its visibility in the area.

The temple was built for more than 50 years and this is the first time for us to go through something like this Prem Kumari Caretaker of the Durga Mata Mandir

Photo: Ronald Kumar Prem Kumari of Durga Mata Mandir (Temple) in Koronivia, Nausori, on May 17, 2022, with some of the temple items that were damage following the alleged break-in.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Nakaikogo Sanatan Dharam Mandir handyman Mahendra Chand at the temple on May 17, 2022.