07-19-2008, 08:58 PM
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story...7-26103,00.html
Hindu temple terrorised by teens
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By Michelle Draper | March 11, 2008
MEMBERS of a Hindu temple in Melbourne's south are worried about escalating attacks on worshippers by groups of teenagers, who have been terrorising devotees and vandalising property.
The board of the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs has complained to Victoria Police after the incidents worsened.
In one of the more serious incidents, a devotee who chased a group of teenagers away after they attempted to steal monetary offerings from the temple was pelted with beer bottles.
In another incident about one month ago, teenagers put a padlock onto the main gate, locking out worshippers arriving for an important function.
Temple authorities were forced to cut off the padlock to let in the worshippers, who had been told by the teenagers the event was not going ahead.
Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple president, Perayirampillai Thanikasalam, said the attacks started as pranks but had become increasingly violent over the past two years.
He said the incidents had scared the priests and their families, including young children.
Three priests, including two with families, live at the temple. The temple is a central point for about 100,000 Victorian Hindus.
Mr Thanikasalam said the teenagers were aged between about 13 and 15.
He said they also demanded money from devotees when they came to the temple to pray, sometimes lying down in front of cars as they arrived to force people to part with cash.
The priests and their families "get a bit scared," he said.
The temple manager also had been targeted.
"They have thrown eggs at the shrine and at our temple manager," he said.
"We don't want to have any ill feeling with the local community," he said.
But, he added: "People will be scared to come to the temple."
Mr Thanikasalam said he had complained to Frankston Police, who took photos of the damage and suggested surveillance cameras be installed outside. Cameras already operated inside the temple, he said.
In another incident, new lighting that had been delivered to the temple for installation was smashed by teens who entered the building.
Mr Thanikasalam said he was concerned about the incidents continuing when construction on a new cultural centre was to start in the next two months.
He said the construction site would not be a safe place for the teens.
Comment was being sought from Victoria Police.
Hindu temple terrorised by teens
* Font Size: Decrease Increase
* Print Page: Print
By Michelle Draper | March 11, 2008
MEMBERS of a Hindu temple in Melbourne's south are worried about escalating attacks on worshippers by groups of teenagers, who have been terrorising devotees and vandalising property.
The board of the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs has complained to Victoria Police after the incidents worsened.
In one of the more serious incidents, a devotee who chased a group of teenagers away after they attempted to steal monetary offerings from the temple was pelted with beer bottles.
In another incident about one month ago, teenagers put a padlock onto the main gate, locking out worshippers arriving for an important function.
Temple authorities were forced to cut off the padlock to let in the worshippers, who had been told by the teenagers the event was not going ahead.
Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple president, Perayirampillai Thanikasalam, said the attacks started as pranks but had become increasingly violent over the past two years.
He said the incidents had scared the priests and their families, including young children.
Three priests, including two with families, live at the temple. The temple is a central point for about 100,000 Victorian Hindus.
Mr Thanikasalam said the teenagers were aged between about 13 and 15.
He said they also demanded money from devotees when they came to the temple to pray, sometimes lying down in front of cars as they arrived to force people to part with cash.
The priests and their families "get a bit scared," he said.
The temple manager also had been targeted.
"They have thrown eggs at the shrine and at our temple manager," he said.
"We don't want to have any ill feeling with the local community," he said.
But, he added: "People will be scared to come to the temple."
Mr Thanikasalam said he had complained to Frankston Police, who took photos of the damage and suggested surveillance cameras be installed outside. Cameras already operated inside the temple, he said.
In another incident, new lighting that had been delivered to the temple for installation was smashed by teens who entered the building.
Mr Thanikasalam said he was concerned about the incidents continuing when construction on a new cultural centre was to start in the next two months.
He said the construction site would not be a safe place for the teens.
Comment was being sought from Victoria Police.