Temples in New Hampshire and Massachusetts have fallen prey to a series of thefts that police believe might be the work of an organized group of thieves. These incidents come at a poignant time for the Hindu community as they observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and have prompted a reevaluation of security at these previously open and welcoming places of worship.
At the Hindu Temple of New Hampshire in Nashua, members were left in a state of shock following a brazen theft during the daytime. According to Boston 25 News, an organized group orchestrated a distraction theft, resulting in the loss of gold necklaces from a temple residence. "It was kind of shocking, completely shocking, and the priest was completely shattered," Hindu Temple founder Veeramani Ranganathan told Boston 25 News, highlighting the impact the theft had on the temple's community.
Similarly, the New England Buddhist Vihara & Meditation Center in Grafton, Massachusetts, also suffered losses when money and jewelry were stolen just days prior. Both incidents involved a coordinated group and a black SUV, as reported in WMUR. Police are encouraging anyone with information about these crimes or who recognizes the vehicle in question to come forward.
The pattern of these crimes—and potential connections between the incidents at the Hindu and Buddhist temples—has raised concerns among law enforcement officers. In Nashua, suspicions arise that this group may be involved in additional thefts beyond the local community, affecting temples in states such as New Jersey, Minnesota, and Georgia. The Hindu Temple, known for its open-door policy, may now have to consider altering its practices in the face of these targeted thefts. "We never used to ask anyone who are you. No, anybody can come, anybody can do prayers," Ranganathan expressed to Boston 25 News. "Now it's kind of a tough scenario. How do we distinguish who is coming and who is doing such a thing?" These recent robberies challenge the foundations of trust and openness that many religious institutions hold dear.
