Ram Mandir defaced with anti-India graffiti in Canada, Indian govt seeks action

The Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Canada was defaced with anti-India graffiti, sparking outrage. The Consulate General of India in Toronto strongly condemned the incident and called for swift action. “We strongly condemn the defacing of Ram Mandir in Missisauga with anti-India graffiti. We have requested Canadian authorities to investigate the incident and take prompt action on perpetrators,” the consulate tweeted.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown called it a potential hate crime and said authorities are taking it very seriously. He took to Twitter and wrote, "The @PeelPolice & @ChiefNish are taking this potential hate crime very seriously. 12 Division has carriage of the investigation & they will find those responsible. Religious freedom is a Charter right in Canada & we will do everything we can to make sure everyone is safe in their place of worship."

This is not the first time that a Hindu temple in Canada has been defaced with anti-Indian slogans and images. Earlier, in January, anti-Indian graffiti appeared on a Hindu temple in Brampton, sparking outrage from the Indian community. Earlier in September 2022, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Canada was defaced by "Canadian Khalistani extremists" with anti-India graffiti.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has condemned the vandalism of the Gauri Shankar temple, saying the act has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community in Canada. The consulate office said in a statement, "We strongly condemn the defacement of the Gauri Shankar Temple, a symbol of Indian heritage in Brampton, with anti-India graffiti. We have expressed our concern on this matter with the Canadian authorities."