In a shocking incident, a prominent Gauri Shankar Temple has been defaced with anti-India graffiti in Canada’s Brampton, causing major outrage amongst the Indian community.

 

 

The walls of the temple were defaced with anti-India slogans and `Khalistan Zindabad’ by Khalistanis associated allegedly with the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ).

 

 

While condemning the act in strong words, the Indian Consulate General in Toronto said the defacing of the temple has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada.

 

 

 

 

"We strongly condemn defacing of Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton,a symbol of Indian heritage, with anti-India graffiti. The hateful act of vandalism has deeply hurt sentiments of Indian community in Canada," the consulate office said in a statement on Monday.

 

 

Defacing of the Hindu temple in Brampton is not one of it’s kind incident as three similar acts of vandalism have been recorded in Canada since July 2022.

 

Within two weeks, three Hindu temples - Iskcon Temple in Albert Park, historic Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Down and Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park - were vandalised by Khalistani supporters. India has condemned the incidents in strongest words and sought action from the Australian authorities.

 

Canadian MP Chandra Arya tweeted, The attack of Gauri Shankar Mandir in Brampton is latest in attacks on Hindu temples in Canada by anti-Hindu and anti-India groups. From hatred on social media, now physical attacks on Hindu temples, what next? I call on govt at levels in Canada to start taking this seriously.

 

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown condemned the defacing of the temple, which is a symbol of Indian heritage. He tweeted, "This hateful act of vandalism has no place in our city or country." He added that he had raised his concerns over this hate crime with Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah. "Everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of worship," Brown said.