Temple torched

By Bridget Brady
LYNBROOK’S Sikh community is disheartened after fire damaged part of their new temple, but do not believe the attack was racially motivated.
Fire broke out about 12.30am on Wednesday morning in the Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar Sikh Temple on Evans Road in Lynbrook, and police are treating the matter as suspicious.
The temple is still under construction, with works expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Sikh community on Wednesday morning was saddened by the suspected deliberate damage to their temple.
Raj Singh said the damage to the temple was superficial, but his feelings were not. “It is more psychological,” Mr Singh said.
“We are extremely disappointed that people can do such things.”
Mr Sing said he was unsure how much damaged was caused, but police estimated the damage bill was $5000, caused mostly by smoke.
Despite the recent reported tension between the Indian and Australian communities after an Indian student was killed on his way to work in Melbourne this month, Mr Singh said he did not believe the attack was racially motivated.
Mr Singh said small instances of crime such as stones thrown through windows and some theft had occurred at the site regularly.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Glenn Northeast from Casey CIU said it appeared people had “come prepared to do some damage” to the temple.
He said a few unidentified suspects were seen leaving the temple, and called for any other witnesses to come forward.
Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon said she was devastated to hear about the fire at the temple and called the suspected crime “totally senseless and appalling”.
“The Sikh community is such a peaceful, community focused group that needs to be supported,” Cr Stapledon said.
The temple, which is a large worship place for the Sikh community in the south-east, has been funded with money raised by the Sikh community. Mr Singh said the community had raised about $1.5 million for its construction.
“It is very disheartening.”
Anyone with information can contact Detective Senior Constable Stow at Casey CIU on 9705 3111.