The iconic Swindon Hindu Temple in the UK was vandalised for the fifth time in a row. Idols were ransacked, and the miscreants looted money. The temple's main altar that seated deities were also vandalised, and thousands of pounds of cash were also stolen.
"It is with great regret that I have to inform you about a major incident that happened yesterday at Swindon Hindu Temple, affecting more than 10,000 people in Swindon and thousands more in the region," Temple Chairman Pradeep Bharadwaj said.
"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." Mr. Bhardwaj also added, "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."
"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," he said.
