Source: Press Release, Federation of Hindu Temples of Canada
TORONTO, CANADA, February 24, 2002. According to this report on February 8th, 2002, the Gayatri Mandir of Toronto was vandalized. The sacred statues to which worship is dedicated were disfigured. The right hands on the icons of Lord Siva, Shri Hanuman, Devi Lakshmi and Devi Parvati were chopped off. The head of Mother Durga was also chopped off and the icon of Sri Ganesha was smashed against the walls of the temple. The vandals left graffiti in green paint on the walls with circles and various symbols. The Federation of Hindu Temples of Canada calls upon the mayor of Toronto, the chief of police, political leaders, all faith communities and members of the Canadian community at large to join and pray with them and collectively condemn such outrageous acts Sunday February 24th, 2002 @ 2:00 PM @ Gayatri Mandir located at 983 Dupont Street, Toronto (Dupont & Ossington). For information please contact: Nirvan Balkissoon at 905-814-1751 or 905-812-3028; Pandit Suraj Persad at 416-530-1899; Pandit Ganesh Persaud 416-537-7570