Fires Target Hindu Homes in Houston Arson Spree

December 2, 2003

Source: Houston Channel 11 News

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou031130_ds_ArsonInvestigation_.5a243d41.html

On December 2, 2003 Houston Channel 11 News reported on the fires targeting Hindu homes that have been sweeping the Houston area. Raju Shah, whose home has been set fire to twice in the last four months, and three other arson victims all worship at a Hindu temple in southwest Houston, where concern is running high. "These days an important message is presented alongside the prayer. The faithful are warned every day not to keep kerosene or gas in the garage and to be on constant alert. A Fort Bend County investigator even came out in July to address temple members.'We always believe our community is like one house, one family,' says Sarala Patel, VPSS Temple president. 'If something happens to someone, we all go together, stand shoulder to shoulder, helping one another.' Investigators released a composite sketch of a man described as a person of interest."