Freelance Writer
Hindu temples in T&T will come up with cash to ramp up security in a bid to prevent devotees from being robbed during festivals, especially at night.
The announcement was made by Chaguanas West MP Dinesh Rambally, who is also an executive member of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, T&T’s largest Hindu body.
Rambally made the disclosure during an interview with Guardian Media on Monday, at the start of Ganesh Ustav celebrations at the Munroe Road Hindu Temple.
Rambally said the crime surge in T&T has deeply impacted religious celebrations and claimed people have been staying away from the celebrations in fear that they may be robbed any time or any location, including inside a temple.
He said the SDMS had spoken with the police to increase patrols. “It would depend on the resources of the temple on how much security they would be able to afford. I know for a fact that many are investing in security, but how much and to what extent, it would depend on their own resources,” he said.
Rambally said monies which would have gone towards festivities and charity would now have to be channelled to security.
Rambally said during this year’s Ganesh Utsav celebrations, prayers would be offered to save T&T from the crime wave.
He said, “The entire community is praying for the removal of crime, they are praying for the removal of obstacles and difficulties which are hindering the country right now.”
Ganesh Utsav celebrations take place nightly until September 28 across T&T.
