Member of Parliament Rathika Sitsabaiesan seen here at Sri Varasithi Vinayagar Temple in a file picture released by the NDP.
Rathika Sitsabaiesan NDP MP for Scarborough Rouge River today condemned an armed robbery at Sri Varasithi Vinayagar Temple in Scarborough.
Police alleged that the two suspects entered the temple around 9 p.m. on Sunday in the Kennedy Rd. and McNicoll Ave. with their faces disguised , according to the Toronto Star report.
The woman then allegedly pointed a gun at a worshiper and attempted to tie him up with zip ties and duct tape, while the man allegedly gathered the other victims.
One worshipper was able to get away and call 9-1-1, the suspect fled the temple without obtaining anything, according to police.
Security camera images of the suspects have been released.
The man is described as black, 25 to 30 years old, 5’7″ and 150 lbs with facial hair. He was wearing an inside-out jacket and light coloured beige pants.
The woman is described as white, 25 to 30 years old, 5’2″, and weighing 110 lbs. She was wearing a Yukon-style hat and black clothing.
Woman (Left) and man (Right) wanted in attempted armed robbery.
Full text Sitsabaiesan’s statement:
I was saddened to learn this morning of an armed robbery at a local Hindu temple–Sri Varasithi Vinayagar Temple in Scarborough.
Man wanted in attempted armed robbery
I unequivocally condemn such heinous acts of violence at a place of worship.
This temple is a very special place for my family and thousands of others in the local Hindu community. The people of Scarborough have the right to live safely and without fear – in their homes, at their workplaces, and their places of worship.
Scarborough is a shining example of Canada’s diversity, where faith based organizations and temples are institutions of peace that celebrate Canadian multiculturalism. Attacks on such institutions should not be taken lightly.
