Chief deplores crime 'tinged with hatred'
Sep 30, 2008 - 04:03 PM
By Keith Gilligan and Jeff Mitchell
PICKERING -- Police are seeking the public's assistance as they investigate the desecration of a Hindu temple in north Pickering.
Durham police Chief Mike Ewles issued a statement deploring the vandalism, discovered early Sunday at the Devi Mandir Temple on Brock Road north of Rossland Road.
Someone smeared fecal matter on the front glass doors of the Hindu temple, according to police.
"This act of vandalism, tinged with hatred, is most disturbing and we want to send a strong message out that this type of ignorance will not be tolerated in Durham Region," the chief said in a statement released Tuesday.
"Members of this temple contribute greatly to the richness and vitality of our community and these acts are reprehensible and totally unacceptable," the Chief said.
Police spokesman Dave Selby said that while the incident was deliberate and offensive, it likely does not cross the threshold that would classify it as a hate crime under the Criminal Code.
"It's probably technically not a hate crime," Mr. Selby said. "There's a lot of hoops you have to go through to prove it's a hate crime."
Cecil Ramnauth, the secretary at the temple, said the incident "was extremely upsetting. People were wondering why. They couldn't understand."
"It's a feeling we have come so far, yet certain elements out there are bent on vandalism," Mr. Ramnauth said. "There's a creation of hate, mistrust by the hate mongers out there who want to create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust."
"I can't describe it really."
The feces was cleaned up, he said. "It wasn't the best of experiences. It was cleaned up, disinfected before the congregants came in."
Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. and the feces was found at about 8 a.m.
"People come in at 8 and to be greeted by this mess right on the door. Human feces is not the kind of thing you want to be greeted with when you go to offer prayers to God," Mr. Ramnauth said.
The Temple has been broken into on two previous occasions, he said.
"We are peaceful people. We propagate peace," Mr. Ramnauth said, adding the Temple has worked with the City of Pickering on many events.
The Temple also offers orientation for new police officers, so they can understand the religion and culture before being on the road.
"When we have functions, we invite from the broad cross-section," he said. "We want to create a kinder, gentler society."
"There's a minority that still have this hate-mongering view. It's time for something to be done."
"It's very, very surprising and distasteful feeling when our devotees come to the Mandir, when they come with their offering for prayer service and the stench it contained, was very troubling for our devotees," Mr. Ramnauth said.
"I hope whoever did it will be caught and dealt with, in a manner this person would see the light of day and be better."
Detectives are reviewing security video and cops are urging anyone with knowledge of the vandalism to step forward. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, extension 2531, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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