The shocking desecration of the century-old Sanatan Shiv Mandir in Samabula on July 11, 2025, continues to send ripples through Fiji’s diverse communities, prompting urgent calls for unity, justice and a recommitment to peace.
At around 2 PM on Friday, a man allegedly entered the sacred temple via a side entrance and smashed revered idols of Lord Shiva and other deities using an iron rod. The suspect was arrested on-site and has since been referred for psychiatric evaluation. The crime, targeting a central pillar of Fiji’s Hindu community, has drawn widespread condemnation from government leaders, faith-based organisations, and civil society figures across the political and cultural spectrum.
Minister for Education and SODELPA Party Leader Aseri Radrodro added his voice in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing sadness over what he described as “uncalled for acts” by the youth involved. “As a Christian, I am deeply concerned and saddened that someone decided to carry out such an act that negatively impacts race relations immediately,” he wrote.
“Christ teaches us to love and be tolerant. Similarly, all other faiths speak of love as a universal language that encourages unity, respect and peaceful coexistence.”
Radrodro urged parents, teachers and faith-based communities to actively guide Fiji’s youth toward tolerance and mutual respect.
Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad called the vandalism “absolutely disgusting” and “shameful.” While, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh denounced the act as a direct assault on Fiji’s multicultural identity.
Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj described the destruction as a “dark and painful moment” for Hindus in Fiji. “They weren’t just breaking idols; they were breaking something that means so much to us,” he said. Maharaj thanked the police for acting swiftly and urged the courts to impose the full weight of the law on the perpetrator.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji also expressed deep concern. “We condemn such despicable act,” he said.
“We urge the law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.”
The Vishva Hindu Parishad Fiji strongly condemned the “heinous desecration” and urged the government to strengthen legislation that criminalises sacrilege and protect religious sites.
National President Jay Dayaal called the attack “not merely an act of vandalism but a direct affront to humanity, religious harmony, and national unity.” He stressed that such hate crimes are rooted in prejudice and must be met with decisive legal action and public rejection.
Civil society leaders have expressed deep concern over the Samabula Shiv Mandir attack. Academic Sadhana Sen warned it could reignite fear and insecurity among Indo-Fijians ahead of elections, calling it a possible resurgence of hate crimes. Rajen Prasad called the desecration a “direct hit” on Fiji’s Hindus, noting the loss of century-old idols as irreparable. Dialogue Fiji’s Nilesh Lal criticised religious doctrines promoting superiority, warning they fuel division and violence in multicultural societies.
The Samabula incident follows similar desecrations over the years, including a case in April this year at the Vunicuicui Shiv Mandir in Labasa, where pages of the holy Ramayan were torn and scattered. Past cases in 2018, 2006, 2004, and as far back as 1991 also show a troubling pattern of attacks on Hindu places of worship. In several cases, authorities admitted that around-the-clock security could not be provided, leaving community members to fund private guards and security systems.
As the investigation continues, community leaders across Fiji are appealing for peace, stronger protection of religious sites, and renewed public commitment to multicultural harmony. Despite the grief and outrage, messages from across Fiji stress the need to rise above hate and reaffirm shared values.
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