In the early hours of April 19, 2025, the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a prominent Hindu temple in Surrey, British Columbia, was vandalized with pro-Khalistan graffiti by two unidentified individuals. The suspects, caught on CCTV, spray-painted the temple’s entrance and pillars before stealing a security camera. Authorities have linked this act to a similar incident at a Sikh temple in East Vancouver the same morning. Police are actively investigating the case, appealing for public assistance, and working with community leaders who have condemned the attack as a divisive and hate-motivated crime targeting local religious communities.
Early on the morning of April 19, 2025, the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia, became the target of a politically charged act of vandalism. Two individuals, captured by closed-circuit television cameras, defaced the temple’s entrance and structural pillars with graffiti promoting the Khalistan movement, an ongoing separatist campaign advocating for an independent Sikh state. After spray-painting pro-Khalistan slogans, the suspects also removed one of the temple’s security cameras, likely to impede identification efforts.
Authorities have indicated that this incident may be connected to a parallel event that occurred the same morning at a Sikh temple located in East Vancouver, where similar graffiti was reported. Investigators are currently exploring the potential link between the two acts, considering motivations and suspect descriptions from surveillance footage. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local law enforcement have increased patrols around religious sites identified as vulnerable in the region.
Community and Official Responses
Religious and community leaders from both Hindu and Sikh communities have jointly issued statements condemning the vandalism. They emphasize that such actions undermine social cohesion and foster division among groups that have historically coexisted peacefully in Metro Vancouver. The Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir’s management described the attack as a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension.
Surrey’s Mayor acknowledged the incident publicly, affirming the city’s commitment to protecting all places of worship and maintaining an inclusive environment. “We will not tolerate hate-motivated crimes of any kind and are working closely with police forces to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the Mayor stated in an official release.
Investigation and Public Appeal
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward. They have released images captured from the temple’s CCTV before the camera was stolen and descriptions of the suspects, hoping public tips will assist in swiftly resolving the case. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams examining the site for additional evidence.
The RCMP reminds the public that acts of vandalism targeting religious institutions are serious offenses under Canadian law and carry significant penalties. They are coordinating with community organizations to provide support and enhance security measures to prevent future occurrences.
Context and Implications
Pro-Khalistan graffiti is considered sensitive and incendiary in British Columbia due to the province’s diverse Sikh population and its historical ties to the Khalistan movement. Previous instances of politically motivated graffiti have occasionally sparked community tensions. Experts suggest that such vandalism is intended to provoke discord and attract attention to separatist causes, though it often results in backlash and increased calls for harmony.
This recent vandalism highlights ongoing challenges faced by multicultural communities in maintaining peaceful coexistence amid differing political and religious perspectives. Authorities and community groups continue to emphasize dialogue, resilience, and solidarity to counter divisive actions.
The vandalism of the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and the related incident at the Sikh temple in East Vancouver represent troubling acts that strike at the core of community harmony in Metro Vancouver. These targeted, hate-motivated offenses have prompted strong condemnation from religious leaders, local officials, and law enforcement alike, underscoring the shared commitment to protecting diverse places of worship and promoting social cohesion. As investigations proceed, public cooperation remains vital in identifying those responsible and preventing similar attacks. This situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, interfaith dialogue, and community solidarity to uphold peace and mutual respect in the region’s multicultural landscape.