A 47-year-old religious leader who was questioned in connection with the death of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran has denied having any involvement in the child’s killing, expressing concern that the allegations against him could damage his reputation and affect his temple.
Ishwar Srikhnu, also known as “Ravi,” was released on $500,000 station bail on Monday as police continued their investigation into the child’s death.
His name became the subject of public attention after the child’s father, 45-year-old Bharrat Jaikarran, who has since been charged with murder, alleged that a pujari was responsible for the killing.
Speaking in the media following his release, Srikhnu rejected the allegation, maintaining that he had no knowledge of or involvement in the circumstances surrounding Orlando’s death.
“There’s nothing to do with me, and me no get no hands, and no connection with this murderer, or this crime,” he maintained.
Srikhnu explained that he had previously interacted with the child’s father in relation to religious activities but claimed their relationship had deteriorated after he refused to assist him with certain requests.
He further alleged that an incident involving his daughter had prompted him to instruct the man to stay away from his premises.
The religious leader said he was unaware of the public accusation until his daughter showed him a video in which the child’s father reportedly implicated a pujari while being escorted from the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court.
Srikhnu expressed frustration over the allegation, saying it had placed his name and religious standing under scrutiny.
He is particularly concerned about the possible impact on his temple and the people who attend religious activities there.
The pujari also rejected suggestions that he had arranged for the six-year-old to be taken to a waterside location to participate in a religious ritual.
Questioning the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance, Srikhnu challenged the allegation that a religious leader had removed Orlando from his home and taken him to the location where his remains were eventually discovered.
He maintained that he played no role in transporting the child or arranging any activity connected to his death.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Orlando’s killing continues.
The six-year-old, who lived at Waterloo, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, was reported missing on October 15, 2026.
Five days later, on October 20, his partially decomposed remains were discovered in the Waterloo Main Canal, bringing a tragic end to the search for the child.
His father, Bharrat Jaikarran, was subsequently charged with murder and remanded to prison following his appearance before the court.
A post-mortem examination conducted on the child’s remains was inconclusive and did not establish a definitive cause of death.
Although Srikhnu has been released on station bail, he remains subject to police reporting requirements as investigators continue their work.
He indicated that he has been instructed to report to the police station every Friday.
