Latest news with #Fijivillage
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
70-year-old statue of Hanuman stolen from Fiji temple, idol was cemented to the floor
The Hanuman idol was cemented on the floor. (Photo: Fijivillage) A 70-year-old statue of Lord Hanuman was stolen from Wailailai Kuti in Ba, prompting a police investigation into the theft. The 35 cm idol was cemented to the floor but vanished overnight. Fijivillage reported that police said the temple's 68-year-old assistant treasurer discovered the theft Wednesday morning and lodged a report. Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha President, Dhirendra Nand, described the theft as 'deeply hurtful' and confirmed the organisation will conduct its own internal investigation alongside police inquiries. He told the news outlet that CCTV cameras are installed in the temple and urged authorities to examine the footage. 'We have confidence in the law and order of this country and in the Police Force. We hope the truth will come before the public very soon,' Nand said and urged devotees to not be disheartened as the incident coincided with the conclusion of Shree Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. The incident comes as the Indo-Fijian community is under increased attack in the island country. Last month, 100-year-old idols at Samabula Shiv Temple were destroyed. 28-year-old man, Sameula Tawake was charged with one count of alleged sacrilege and one count of throwing an object. Fiji's former attorney general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum voiced concern over the environment for the Indo-Fijian community in the country. He said the desecration was the act of an individual "possibly radicalised to execute religious hatred with purpose." "Inconsistent concern and commitment by the Prime Minister about hate speech and discrimination gives rise to and encourages radical ethno- nationalists who engage the political game of 'us' and 'them'," Sayed-Khaiyum wrote. "If not reined in and spoken against in the harshest of terms by our leaders and those in positions of authority, then such acts will only give more oxygen to others who are already vulnerable to hate and discrimination." The desecration of non-Christian places of worship started when "overt and blatant hate was espoused against Indo-Fijians in 1987, to justify the overthrow of the (Timoci) Bavadra government," he wrote. Sayed-Khaiyum said that the rise in attacks against Indo-Fijians is being "increasingly accepted as the norm under the current leadership."
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Graham shown red as Scots sink to Test loss in Fiji
Fiji have conceded a try after two minutes but rallied to score four tries and beat 14-man Scotland 29-14 in a one-off rugby Test match. Scotland were a man down from the 66th minute on Saturday when winger Darcy Graham was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Graham was first sent to the sin bin in the 35th minute. The TMO ruled out a penalty try on that occasion but Fiji immediately scored their first try through captain Tevita Ikanivere. The second yellow card came when Graham was ruled to have deliberately impeded Fiji and prevented a certain try from being scored. The penalty try that resulted gave the hosts their final 15-point margin. Scotland also lost hooker Ewan Ashman to a yellow card in the ninth minute in an undisciplined performance. "I think we deserved that win. We worked so hard these past two weeks," said Ikanivere. "The last (Fiji) president said there's only a few things that bring Fijians together and rugby is one. It was great today to see everyone enjoying themselves and enjoying Fiji." Fiji beat Scotland 29-14 in Suva #tosoviti — fijivillage (@fijivillage) July 12, 2025 Winger Kyle Rowe scored the first try of the match only two minutes after the kick-off and New Zealand-born flyhalf Fergus Burke converted for a 7-0 lead. Fiji, who lost 21-18 to Australia last weekend, narrowed the lead with a penalty to flyhalf Caleb Muntz in the 20th minute, then took their first lead at 8-7 with Ikanivere's try. Kalaveti Ravouvou sawed through the Scotland defence to score in the 39th minute and Fiji took a 15-7 lead to halftime. Scotland opened the second half with a slick try to centre Tom Jordan, converted by Burke, which cut the lead to a point at 15-14. Fiji replied with a superb try to the Toulon winger and Olympic sevens gold medallist Jiuta Wainiqolo to increase their lead to 22-14 before the penalty try sealed the win. It was Fiji's second over Scotland in five official Tests and adds evidence that Fiji deserve to be included among the top 12 nations in world rugby in next year's inaugural Nations Cup. With Reuters.
