2 Hindu temples vandalised and robbed in Canberra, Australia

Shivlinga vandalised

Canberra (Australia) – On the afternoon of October 26, 4 unknown persons who came with their faces covered, attacked and vandalised 2 Hindu temples in Canberra, the capital of Australia. Valuable items were also stolen from here. Along with this, the thieves also vandalised Shivlinga and idols of Shiva. The attack took place during the annual Diwali fair in Canberra. The increasing number of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Hindus there.

Two Hindu temples vandalised and robbed in Canberra Australia’s capital

Looking at the history of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, this appears to be the work of #Khalistani elements.

👉During Hindu festivals, Khalistanis are deliberately attempting to provoke Hindus. The… pic.twitter.com/zM2USNqies

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 28, 2024

1. According to a report by ‘Australia Today’, 4 persons came to the ‘Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre’ in Florey in a black four-wheeler. These four had their faces covered with cloth. They broke the main entrance of the temple and stole 4 donation boxes from inside. One of the donation boxes was estimated to weigh 200 kg. There were thousands of dollars in it.

2. Vice President of the temple Tarun Agasti said, “We are deeply saddened and distressed by this incident. This is a gross insult to our temples and society. We want to assure our community that we are working with local authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. This incident not only affects our Hindu community, but also attacks the values ​​of mutual respect, tolerance and inclusiveness among Canberra’s diverse communities.”

3. According to ‘Australia Today’, after vandalism in this temple, the attackers left for Shri Vishnu Shiva temple at 2 p.m. At that time the priest and manager of the temple had gone out for lunch. The attackers entered the temple by breaking the main door with an iron bar. They ransacked the reception hall of the temple and looted cash by smashing donation boxes with a hammer. They also entered the temple premises and damaged the wardrobe and Vasant Mandap there. They also broke the Shivling in the temple.

4. In this regard, President of Shri Vishnu Shiva Mandir Thamo Sreedharan said, “I would like to appeal to the Government of Australia to provide us with the necessary cooperation for the safety of our temples and the community.”

6. The vehicle used by these attackers had the number plate; however, it is not yet clear whether the vehicle was stolen, or the vehicle number was wrong. Currently, the Police are investigating both the incidents.

CCTV Footage of the thieves breaking in

Many temples have been attacked by Khalistanis in Australia in the past

In 2023, 5 Hindu temples were attacked in Australia. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was attacked by Khalistani supporters. ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ was written on the walls of the ISKCON temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park.

Vandals also targeted Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs in Victoria and anti-India graffiti was painted at the Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne. The Swaminarayan Temple in Sydney was also vandalised and ‘Declare Modi a terrorist’ text was painted on its wall. Khalistani supporters had threatened not to organise a bhajan programme by devout Hindu singer Kanhiya Mittal at the Kalimata temple in Melbourne.

Editorial Perspective

If we look at the history of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, it can be inferred that this is an act of Khalistanis. Khalistanis are deliberately trying to instigate Hindus during Hindu festivals. Government of India must try to control such elements.