Published 17:54 IST, February 11th 2022
Canada: Continuing vandalism of temples in Toronto area leaves priests & devotees scared
Temple priests and devotees in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada are terrified after at least six temples were vandalised and burgled in the last 2-3 months.
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Priests and devotees in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Cana are terrified after half a dozen temples were vandalised and burgled in last 2 to 3 months. In most cases, intruders have stolen cash from donation boxes as well as ornaments orning idols. incidents have caused concern among Hindu community. Indian Consulate in Toronto contacted some trustees of se temples and assured m of support to raise with Canian authorities in bringing culprits to book.
first break-ins transpired in vember last year at Hindu Sabha temple and Shri Jagannath temple, both in Brampton. In January 2022, similar break-in attempts happened at Hindu Herit Centre in Mississauga, Maa Chintpurni Mandir in Brampton, Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton, and Hamilton Samaj Temple in Hamilton. incidents have been widely covered by global media houses and police have commenced full-fledged investigations ever since. temple ministrators have been summoned by police and assured of ditional protection and patrols in ir regions.
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Two people broke into Hindu Herit Centre in Mississauga
Although Hindu community in Cana are concerned about se break-ins and fts, y do t appear to be coordinated attacks on Hindus and ir property. As per reports, se incidents appear to be trivial attempts to steal money from temples. Earlier on January 30, two people broke into Hindu Herit Centre (HHC) in Mississauga and rummd through donation boxes and vandalized main office, as per media reports.
high number of temple break-ins have traumatised priests
" trdy has left devotees and priests traumatised," a release from Hindu Herit Centre said. temple's security has been beefed up, with volunteers working in shifts to keep premises safe. Police have also reportedly assured to beef up patrols in area surrounding shrine. high number of temple break-ins has startled and horrified community, according to release. Pandit Yu Nath Sharma of HHC stated that he feels terrified and constantly look around to make sure one is re while preparing for early morning prayer. "I switch on all lights and make sure to look out windows before opening temple," he ded as per release.
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Im: Pixabay/Representative
17:35 IST, February 11th 2022