Swearing on the lives of his two sons, a West Coast Berbice pujari has denied any involvement in the death of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran after he was released on station bail.

Ishwar Srikhnu, 47, called "Ravi", of Bath Settlement, said he has no part in the child's death and that the allegations have raised concerns about his reputation and the future of his temple. His sons are aged eight and 12.
Srikhnu was released on $500,000 station bail on Monday. Police took him into custody on Thursday, October 15.

He told Ignite News he was saddened after Orlando's father, Bharrat Jaikarran, publicly pointed to a pujari as responsible while leaving the Weldaad Magistrate's Court. He rejected Jaikarran's claim that he arranged for the child to be taken to the waterside for a religious ritual.
Srikhnu said he was at his temple on the night of Wednesday, October 14, into Thursday morning, when Orlando was reported missing. He said 10 or more devotees were present, as many stay overnight during the Navratri season, and that his family was also at home. He left for work early on Thursday, he said.

He questioned how he could be held responsible for removing the child from his bed and taking him to the canal.
Srikhnu said his relationship with Jaikarran had deteriorated before the child's death. The two men knew each other through Kali worship at his temple, but he later refused to assist Jaikarran with certain religious activities and asked him to stay away from his premises following an alleged incident involving his daughter.

Orlando, also known as "Lil Boy", was reported missing on October 15 from Waterloo, Bath Settlement. His partially decomposed remains were found in the Waterloo Main Canal on October 20. A post-mortem examination was inconclusive in determining the cause of death.
Jaikarran, 45, was subsequently charged with murder and remanded to prison.

Srikhnu said police have instructed him to report to the station every Friday and are still holding his telephone and wristwatch. The investigation is ongoing.