Canada: after 'vandalism' charges at Bhagavad Gita Park, officials issue clarification

Canadian authorities have issued a clarification after India condemned 'vandalism' of a signboard at the Bhagavad Gita Park in Brampton city of Ontario.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown tweeted a statement from the city's parks department saying that the investigation following the complaints has revealed that 'reported blank sign was installed by the builder as a placeholder until the permanent Shri Bhagavad Gita Park sign can be replaced'.

'We are pleased to learn of this outcome. We thank the community for bringing this to our attention, and ensuring Brampton is a safe and inclusive place to call home,' the mayor added.

Brown also tweeted a statement from the Communications Department which said that the 'sign was damaged during the original install & a city staff member brought it back for unplanned maintenance & to reprint.'

The police meanwhile tweeted that 'there was no evidence of vandalism to the permanent sign or any park structure - It was a temporary park sign used in the park naming ceremony'. It added that the permanent sign is still waiting for the lettering to be applied

India had called for a 'prompt action' and called the alleged vandalism a 'hate crime'. There are no details about the how the signboard was vandalised.

Also watch: Canada: after 'hate crime' at Bhagavad Gita Park, India demands 'prompt action'