A 19-year-old man has pleaded guilty to damaging a Lord Hanuman statue at Naduna in Labasa, Fiji.
It is reported by FijiVillage that Igenasio Masiwini appeared in the Labasa Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon, charged with one count of damaging property.
Police allege Masiwini unlawfully entered a prayer house, removed the statue, and later left it damaged in the complainant’s compound.
It is further reported that when questioned about his motives, he remained silent but told the court he could pay $150 in compensation.
Magistrate Safaira Ratu directed Masiwini to obtain a Legal Aid Commission counsel to defend his case and apply for bail. He remanded the man in custody and the case has been adjourned to 3 September.
The latest incidents come amid a series of sacrilegious attacks on Hindu temples in Fiji.
Fiji Police is still investigating the damage and theft of a 70-year-old Lord Hanuman statue from Wailailai Kuti in Ba. Earlier, the Shiv Mandir in Samabula, Suva, was vandalised, with century-old idols damaged in a shocking act that drew condemnation from political and community leaders. In April, torn pages from the Ramayan were found scattered inside the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir in Labasa.
Hindu leaders have long expressed concern over recurring attacks on temples and idols, calling for stronger security and decisive legal action to protect sacred spaces and symbols.
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