Temples Thefts in Minnesota
- Several Buddhist and Hindu temples in Minnesota have been targeted by thieves.
- Authorities are investigating a string of thefts at these religious sites.
- The community is shaken by the incidents of robbery at the peaceful places of worship.
In a series of alarming incidents, multiple religious temples in the Twin Cities have fallen victim to burglaries, with thieves brazenly violating the sanctity of these sacred spaces. Tej Mucherla, a committee member and former president of the Sri Saibaba Mandir, expressed outrage over the recent break-ins, highlighting the disrespect shown by the burglars, who even appeared to gesture at the temple's security camera before departing. The Chaska temple was not alone in these criminal acts. In June, Wat Promwachirayan, a Buddhist temple in St. Louis Park, reported a theft of $7,000 in cash after intruders broke into the monks' residence. On the same day, the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove experienced a similar fate, with President Shajive Jeganathan revealing that thieves accessed the temple through a back door, stealing numerous items, including valuables from the priest's quarters. In total, Jeganathan estimates that over $100,000 worth of items have been stolen across 14 temple thefts in the area. The Carver County Sheriff's Office has made progress in the investigation, arresting several suspects believed to be part of the burglary ring in late July while they were attempting to break into a home in Blaine. Despite the losses, Mucherla remains hopeful that the stolen items will eventually resurface. "Lost ornaments, lost jewelry, it will all come back in a different form," he stated, reflecting a resilient spirit among the affected communities.