The local MP along with the temple officials helped in repainting the wall. (file)
Melbourne:
A prominent Hindu temple in Sydney was defaced on Friday by “anti-social elements” with anti-India graffiti on the walls, the latest of vandalism against Hindu temples in Australia ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country later this month. In event.
The incident took place at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill, Sydney. Although the time is not known yet.
Australia Today newspaper reported that temple authorities found a Khalistani flag hanging at the gate and reported the matter to the New South Wales (NSW) police.
“We are deeply saddened by the anti-India graffiti by anti-social elements on the walls of BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill, Sydney,” the temple said in a statement.
“We are further disappointed that BAPS temples in Australia have been targeted. For the past 23 years, the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple has been a cornerstone of the local community and a prominent Hindu temple, which like all BAPS temples around the world is a home of peace and harmony, equality, selfless service and universal Hindu values.”
Australia Today newspaper reported that Andrew Charlton, Member of Parliament for Parramatta, rushed to the BAPS temple as soon as he was informed of the Hindu hate incident.
Charlton, along with temple officials, helped repaint the wall.
“This morning, the BAPS temple in my constituency of Parramatta was vandalized by religious extremists. I am deeply shocked and saddened by this act of mindless vandalism. Everyone in Australia has the right to practice their faith in peace,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
“At this time, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha prays for peace and unity and appeals to all devotees and well-wishers in the community to maintain peace. We are grateful to the local police command, home affairs department, state and federal members of Parliament , High Commission of India and Consul General Sydney for their continued support,” Temple said.
“BAPS temples across Australia are symbols of a thriving multicultural society that nurtures Australian values of respect, companionship and tolerance. We request everyone to join us in the worldwide prayers that God bless and do good to us all.” guide us to do and think good for all.” Said this.
“Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command have launched an investigation following reports of malicious damage to a place of worship in Rosehill,” a NSW Police spokesman said in a statement.
“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.” Earlier this year, three Hindu temples in Melbourne and two Hindu temples in Brisbane were vandalized by Khalistan supporters.
PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sydney for the Quad summit on 24 May.
In March, during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India, PM Modi raised the issue of frequent attacks on Hindu temples with him and conveyed his concerns.
To this, Albanese assured PM Modi that Australia would not tolerate attacks on religious places and that anyone responsible for such activities would face the “full force of the law”.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)