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Lautoka family breaks silence over accusation of sacrilege

September 29, 2021 4:33 pm

A Lautoka family accused of destroying a Hindu religious idol has broken its silence today.

Speaking to FBC News, house owner Veena Wati claims proper rituals were followed before they decided to remove the idol, and this was not captured in a video that went viral.

Wati claims everything was done in the correct manner, following all rituals, after she converted to Christianity.

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“I had prayed over the idol before following the proper procedures of releasing it. However, prior to that, we tried to remove it but the foundation of the statue was so strong that we had to break it.”

Wati says the issue is being blown out of proportion and claims she had first asked one of her neighbours to take the idols.

She also claims the video deliberately does not show her family conducting a peace mantra or prayer before removing the idols.

“Why were they filming that day, when they don’t have the right to come into my business. I didn’t want it to be recorded because it’s my home.”

Wati told FBC News she was not forced to convert to Christianity as it was her own decision.

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission meanwhile is urging religious leaders to foster respect and tolerance.

Director, Ashwin Raj says the Commission has received three complaints regarding the incident.

Police have also begun an investigation.