Fiji: Man Arrested After Vandalising Historic Hindu Temple in Suva

International News: The historical Samabula Shiva temple in Suva was vandalised in Fiji on Friday. Following the temple vandalism, Fiji's former Attorney General alleged that attacks on the Indo-Fijian minority are on the rise, with the government generally ignoring them. Former Attorney General Ayaz Saeed Khaiyum made this harsh remark following the damage of the Samabula Shiva temple. In this act of vandalism, 100-year-old idols were broken in the temple, causing indignation among religious organisations and officials.

Indians are outraged by the occurrence in Fiji and are speaking out against the hatred and discrimination directed at Indians living there.

When was the temple vandalised?

A video of the destruction at the temple has gone trending on Facebook. This incident occurred in the temple on Friday. In the video, a person is causing disturbance in the temple by shattering the idols of all the deities, including Lord Shiva's idol in the sanctum sanctorum.

Following this occurrence, Fiji's Sri Sanatan Dharma Pratinidhi Sabha has called on the government to reinforce sacrilege laws and boost protection at places of worship. Sabha President Dhirendra Nand claimed that a guy leapt over the temple's gate, shattered the entrance, and damaged the precious idols with an iron rod. He then attempted to attack the temple's caretaker.

Ongoing investigation

Police Commissioner Rusiyate Tudravu has voiced worry over the hate speech surrounding this incident. He has also made a call for peace. Police Commissioner Tudravu stated that the police are investigating and attempting to determine the purpose behind the attack.

Fiji's Arya Pratinidhi Sabha has also severely criticised the vandalism, calling it "extremely disturbing". The Arya Sabha stated in a statement, "The Arya Sabha considers such action criminal and an attack on the basic principles of religious freedom, mutual respect, and peace."

The accused is arrested

Following the temple vandalism, the offender was arrested. On Monday, a 28-year-old man appeared in Suva Magistrate Court, accused of committing sacrilege and throwing an object. According to local media sources, Samuela Tawake has been placed in detention for two weeks awaiting a mental health evaluation.