Brutality such as the alleged killing of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran has no place in Hinduism, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Sabha expressed grief and outrage at the alleged involvement of the child's father and a person described as a pujari. It extended condolences to Orlando's siblings, relatives and all who loved him.

The Sabha said Hinduism upholds ahimsa, the principle of nonviolence and non-harm, and reverence for life. It said no claim of religious authority, ritual or spiritual practice can justify cruelty, abuse or murder, and that anyone who uses the guise of religion to commit or encourage such acts violates humanity.

It called for a thorough investigation and for those found responsible to face the harshest penalties available under the law.

"No belief, no suspicion, no claim of spiritual power can ever justify harming a child," Sabha President Dr Vindhya Persaud said, adding that "We must be unequivocal as a society: this cruelty cannot be condoned, defended or concealed."

Dr Persaud called for the full force of the law to be applied and asked the public to join the Sabha in prayer for Orlando's soul and for his family.

"Our responsibility to protect children must be reflected in what we do, by speaking up, reporting danger and refusing to turn away when a child needs us," she said.

The Sabha urged the public not to seek out or trust individuals who use religion or faith to promote harmful practices, exploit fear or demand acts of violence. It said any suggestion that a child or another person must be harmed in the name of a ritual should be rejected and reported to the police immediately.

Orlando was reported missing on Thursday, October 15. His decomposed, headless body was found in a canal in West Coast Berbice on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination on Wednesday was inconclusive, according to Region Five Commander Senior Superintendent Lonsdale Whithrite. Police said the child's father and another male, reportedly a pujari, remain in custody as investigations continue.