No evidence yet of organised attacks on Hindus in Toronto area: Officials

NEW DELHI: While many Hindu temples in Greater

Toronto

Area have been burgled in the past few months, the

government

doesn't see it as a case of organised attacks targeted to hurt the Hindu community or damage their properties

According to an official count, 6 Hindu temples in the area, 5 in Peel region and 1 in Hamilton, have been burgled over the past 2-3 months. In most of the cases, the intruders stole cash from donation boxes. In some cases, according to official sources, some ornaments adorning the idols were stolen and such incidents have caused concern among the Hindu community.

``Our Consulate in Toronto spoke to some trustees of these temples and assured them of our support to raise with Canadian authorities in bringing the culprits to book.'' said a source.

According to Indian officials, although these incidents of break-ins and theft are a matter of concern for the Hindu community in

Canada

, they do not seem to be organized attacks against

Hindus

and their properties. ``At this stage, these incidents seem to be petty attempts to steal money from temples,'' said another source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

These incidents were first reported in November last year when the first break-ins happened at Hindu Sabha temple and

Shri Jagannath

temple, both in Brampton.

``Similar break-in attempts were made in January 2022 in other temples including Hindu Heritage Centre, Mississauga, Maa Chintpurni Mandir, Brampton,

Gauri Shankar Mandir

, Brampton and Hamilton Samaj Temple, Hamilton The incidents have since been covered in media. The local Police have taken cognizance of the incidents and started investigations. The Police have contacted the temple authorities and assured them of increased security and Police patrols in their areas,'' said an official.

Although these incidents of break-ins and theft are a matter of concern for the Hindu community in Canada, they do not seem to be organized attacks against Hindus and their properties. At this stage, these incidents seem to be petty attempts to steal money from temples.