Hate crime: India condemns vandalism at Canada's Bhagavad Gita park

The High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday condemned the 'hate crime' at the Shri Bhagavad Gita park in Brampton that was allegedly vandalised by a group of miscreants.

The incident happened days after the park was renamed to honour the Hindu religious scripture Bhagavad Gita.

"We condemn the hate crime at the Shri Bhagavad Gita Park in Brampton. We urge Canadian authorities & Peel Police to investigate and take prompt action on the perpetrators." the High Commission of India in Ottawa shared on Twitter.

The newly-unveiled park was vandalised and it was confirmed by the Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown. Taking to Twitter, Brown said that Canadian authorities have 'zero tolerance for such deeds.

He wrote, "We are aware that the recently unveiled Shri Bhagavad Gita Park sign has been vandalized. We have zero tolerance for this. We have flagged Peel Regional Police for further investigation. Our Parks department is working to resolve and correct the sign as soon as possible."

Last month, India had issued an advisory to its citizens in Canada warning of increased hate crimes. "There has been a sharp increase in incidents of hate crimes, sectarian violence, and anti-India activities in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs and our High Commission/Consulates General in Canada have taken up these incidents with the Canadian authorities and requested them to investigate the said crimes and take appropriate action," an MEA statement read.

The park, spread over 3.75 acres, is set to have sculptures of Lord Krishna and Arjun on a chariot and some other Hindu deities, a statement said. It was unveiled on Wednesday.

Brampton is a Mosaic, and this renaming commemorates the Hindu community and all that they contribute to the city, the City of Brampton had said during the inauguration.

According to a statement by the Haryana government, the park is probably the only one outside of India to be named after the Bhagavad Gita.