Berbice Mandir, Vocational Centre burglarized

The Sanatan Mandir and VEDA (Vocational, Educational and Dharmic Academy) Centre at Reliance Settlement, East Canje Berbice this week lost over $500,000 in items after burglars raided the facilities over a period of three nights.

The News Room understands that at around 17:00hrs on Wednesday, devotees who turned to clean and prepare the mandir for Navratri, discovered a number of items missing.

They noticed the southern door to the place of worship was left open.

Upon checking, it was found that two Yamaha speakers, one Yamaha amplifier, three Sennheiser microphones, cables and a bag containing several XLR cables, microphones totalling $450,000 were missing.

President of the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organization –an East Canje based youth-centric body –which operates out of the VEDA Centre, Pandit Deodat Persaud told the New Room that the incident came days after thieves removed several items from the centre which is located in the same compound.

He said on Saturday night, another music system which was being used for dance lessons along with sari/ costume materials were stolen from the VEDA Centre. The total estimated loss is over $80,000.

On Sunday evening, another attempt was made to break into the Reliance VEDA Centre but fortunately, no significant loss was noted since precautionary measures were taken to remove all valuables from the location.

After the first attack, Persaud said the Police failed to act on the report made.

“The first time we went, they promise to come do fingerprints and so and nobody never turn up,” he told the News Room.

Following Wednesday’s attack, the Police have since launched an investigation.

In the meantime, the devotees are urging the general public who may be approached to purchase any of the stolen items to make contact with mandir officials or the Police Station.

The mandir is also welcoming any assistance for the replacement of the stolen items.