In another attack on Swindon’s Hindu Temple, the collection boxes are stolen and vandalised the temple situated in Wiltshire for the fifth time since May. The violation of the temple was discovered on the morning of September 4.
The main altar of the temple was also vandalised where the deities are seated. Thousands of pounds of cash was stolen.
Chairman Pradeep Bharadwaj said, “It is with great regret that I have to inform you about a major incident that happened at Swindon Hindu Temple, affecting more than 10,000 people in Swindon and thousands more in the region.”
Bharadwaj requested a meeting with the police commissioner and the chief constable and also informed the Swindon Borough Council about the attack. The police have been appealing for anyone with information on Darby Close about the incident to get in touch
“They have entered the main altar of the temple where the deities are placed, and vandalised that area – this is a highly sanctified and consecrated space where only priests are allowed to enter.” Bhardwaj said, “This is a matter of great concern and of utmost sensitivity for all Hindus.”
“It’s more than the cash though… ransacking the gods, idols and pictures, people are very enraged,” he said.
“This is the only Hindu temple in this entire area, the county and much beyond, and since it had been closed for the most part of the last 18 months, the community was very eagerly looking forward to resuming their normal activities, especially since the main Hindu festival period has just started,” Bharadwaj said.
