Repeated thefts, vandalism in temples worries Hindu community in Canada
The Hindu community in Canada has expressed concerns after two more Temple thefts were reported in the Greater Toronto Area last week. The community is also frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigations into several thefts and vandalism that appear to be specifically targeting Hindu temples. "Temples, one by one, are being targeted," said Keshab Koirala, a temple priest.
Why does this story matter?
The multiple break-ins in Hindu temples since January have created an environment of panic among the priests and the Hindu community in Canada. Even though concerns have been raised by the community, the thefts do not appear to be organized attacks on Hindus or their property. Security has been beefed up in several temples in the country.
Contributions from donation boxes stolen
On Thursday night, the burglars stole the contributions from the donation boxes at the Bharat Mata Mandir in Brampton. This happened after an attempted break-in at the Mississauga Ram Mandir, in which the attackers appeared to flee when a security alarm rang. "These serial attacks can be an attempt to spread fear. This has to be properly investigated," said Koirala.
'Community members are shocked'
"The targeting of so many temples in such a short time period is unprecedented in Canadian history," said Kushagr Sharma, vice-president of the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce. There is growing insecurity in the community right now, he said. "Community members are finding it even more shocking that the perpetrators have not been caught," further added Sharma.
Multiple thefts within a month
On January 15, there was an attempted break-in at the Shri Hanuman Mandir in Brampton. Another temple in Brampton, the Maa Chintpurni Mandir, was broken into on January 25, followed by a series of similar incidents at the Gauri Shankar Mandir and Jagannath Temple, both in Brampton, and the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga and the Hamilton Samaj Temple.
Security in temples ramped up
"Peel Police have confirmed to Hindu Heritage Centre that it is the same group of individuals who are breaking into temples early morning," said a release from the Hindu Heritage Centre in Mississauga. The temple's security has been ramped up following the attacks. The premises are presently being guarded by a group of volunteers.
