The Hindu community in Canada’s Greater Toronto area is concerned about the number of temples being vandalized in the area over the past few months.
An estimated six Hindu temples have been burgled, five in Peel and one in Hamilton, both of which are part of the area. In many cases cash and jewelery of Hindu deities have been stolen from donation boxes.
The Indian Consulate in Toronto has spoken to some trustees of the temples who have reported the incident and assured them of support to take up the matter with the Canadian authorities in nabbing the culprits.
The first incident was reported in November last year, when vandalism was reported at the Hindu Sabha Temple and Sri Jagannath Temple in Brampton. In January this year, cases were reported at Maa Chintpurni Temple, Brampton, Hindu Heritage Centre, Mississauga, Gauri Shankar Temple, Brampton and Hamilton Samaj Mandir, Hamilton among other temples.
Prima facie, these examples do not look like organized attacks against Hindu temples and their properties and are only petty attempts to steal money from temples.
Taking cognizance of the incident, the local police has started investigation. The authorities have contacted the temple staff, and have been informed about the increased security and police patrolling.