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	Hindu Priest Fired over Sex Charges By Rafe Arnott Abbotsford Times November 19, 2010 http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/news/Hindu+priest+fired+over+charges/3854765/story.html An Abbotsford Hindu priest was fired Tuesday after being charged with sex offences against two young girls who worshipped at the temple where he worked. Karam Vir, 31, was arrested Monday, appeared in court Tuesday, and then was released on bail after surrendering his passport. Vir, who holds Indian citizenship, is in Canada on a work visa and has been involved with the Hindu Temple at 31545 Walmsley Ave. in Abbotsford for about two years. Prior to that he spent time in Ontario. "We were shocked - everyone was shocked by this," Vijay Gautam, general secretary of the Fraser Valley Hindu Society, which runs the Abbotsford temple, told The Province. "Nobody expected him to be like that." Gautam said leaders found out about the incidents March 12 when they received anonymous letters accusing someone in authority at the temple of sexual misconduct. Const. Ian MacDonald said temple committee members alerted police the same day a girl came forward alleging sexual abuse, and while only two victims have come forward at this time, as the investigation widens, police fear there may be more. Gautam said police began investigating, and a letter was posted on the door of the temple asking anyone with information to come forward. "Because he held that position of authority in that Hindu temple, we can't preclude the possibility there may be other victims," MacDonald said. "Victims may feel hesitant to come forward, but we're making an appeal for anyone who has information about these incidents or any others to come forward." The charges against Vir were the result of a nine-month criminal investigation by APD major crime detectives, and because of the circumstances surrounding the incidents, the Crown is looking to raise the age of sexual consent in the case to 18 years, MacDonald said. "These [girls] by definition are going to be considered children," he said. Temple worshippers were shocked by the charges, and said Vir was supported by many until he was arrested and charged. "So far he was the best [priest at the temple]," Pawan Gandha told The Province. "A more hard-working guy we have never met." Gautam said because no formal charges had been laid, Vir continued to perform his duties, duties that put the priest into contact with youth and children. MacDonald said priest-related sexual exploitation is troubling."We're concerned, obviously." - The APD is requesting that anyone with information about these incidents or any other involving Vir, contact officers at 604-859-5225.
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