Temples Wake up to Theft Threat

BY: NITASHA NATU

Aug 23, 2010 — MUMBAI, INDIA (TIMES OF INDIA) — The heist at a Jain temple in Borivli, where a security guard was brutally murdered, has sparked shockwaves and concern among temple managements across the city. Over the past three years, several shrines in the western suburbs - most of them Jain temples - have been targeted by robbers. From donation boxes and idols to ornaments and temple decorations, robbers have made way with all kinds of valuables. Few cases have been solved.

"All derasars need to install electronic surveillance systems. We can't depend on security guards alone. In most cases, the guards themselves tip-off the robbers," said Rajesh Kothari, trustee of the Mahavir Swami Jain Derasar in Walkeshwar.

"As Jains believe in non-violence, armed security guards won't be permitted in the temple premises. Metal detectors and burglars alarms are also rare. One solution is that the people staying around the derasar should be alert and immediately summon the cops, if they notice anything suspicious. The brutality with which the guard was murdered at Borivli is condemnable."

Community elders expressed discontent at the government's inaction during a sermon by a Jain monk on Monday. "The news of the Borivli heist has come soon after the destruction of a Jain temple at Kashmir. It is important to mobilise different sects into a delegation to could seek answers and demand security from the authorities," some elders told TOI.

Mahendra Jain of the 200-year-old Shantinath Jain temple near Fort says the fear is very much palpable. "Being a business community, we are a soft target. We have no voice amongst elected representatives. Installing close-circuit cameras would only help record an event, but not protect us from an attacker. We intend to meet the chief minister soon to discuss our concerns."

Surdas Prabhu, the spokesperson of the ISKCON temple at Juhu, admitted security is a concern in the wake of a spate of robberies at temples, and needs to be increased with big festivals around the corner.