HGP NIGHTLY NEWS – The religious leader accused by six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran’s father of involvement in the child’s killing is speaking publicly for the first time, strongly denying the allegations and warning that being linked to the murder could destroy his reputation and the future of his temple.
Forty-seven-year-old Ishwar Srikhnu, called “Ravi,” was released from police custody on $500,000 station bail on Monday as investigations into Orlando’s death continue.
Srikhnu has not been charged with any offence.
Speaking following his release to News Room, the pujari categorically rejected allegations connecting him to the child’s disappearance and death.
“There’s nothing to do with me, and me no get no hands, and no connection with this murderer, or this crime,” Srikhnu said.
His name became publicly connected to the investigation after Orlando’s father, Bharrat Jaikarran, alleged that a pujari was involved in the killing.
Police have also previously said that Jaikarran made allegations about a religious figure during interviews with investigators.
Those allegations have not been proven.
Srikhnu says his relationship with Jaikarran had deteriorated before Orlando disappeared.
According to the religious leader, he had refused to assist Jaikarran with certain religious activities and eventually told him to stay away from his premises following an alleged incident involving Srikhnu’s daughter.
He is now questioning the account that allegedly places him at the waterside with Orlando.
“Did the Pujari go till in your house, and hoist a pickney out from that bed, and bring it to the water side?” Srikhnu questioned.
He also rejected suggestions that Orlando was taken to the area as part of any religious ritual.
The allegations have generated considerable public attention, particularly amid speculation about whether religion or ritual played any role in the killing.
Srikhnu says that attention has come at a significant personal cost, expressing concern about damage to his reputation and the future of the temple where he conducts religious activities.
Six-year-old Orlando was reported missing on October 15. His partially decomposed remains were recovered from the Waterloo Main Canal five days later.
His father has since been charged with murder and remanded to prison.
A post-mortem examination was unable to determine Orlando’s cause of death because of the condition of his remains.
Although Srikhnu has now been released on station bail, he remains required to report to police every Friday as the investigation continues.
