Toronto:A temple in Canada’s Surrey has been defaced by vandals with pro-Khalistan graffiti at its entrance and the pillars, authorities said.
The incident took place on April 19 at the Shree Lakshmi Narayana Mandir in Surrey, the temple said in a statement.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform the community of a disturbing incident that took place in the early hours of April 19, 2025, at approximately 3:00 AM. Two unidentified individuals vandalised the Shree Lakshmi Narayana Mandir in Surrey by defacing the entrance sign and the temple pillars with the word ‘Khalistan’, the statement said.
Also, the security camera was stolen during this act.
“We strongly condemn this hateful act of vandalism and theft, which is not only a crime but a direct attack on a sacred space that serves as a spiritual and cultural centre for many families, including elderly members and children,” it said.
“An FIR has been officially registered with the Surrey Police, and we are cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation,” the statement added.
“We urge members of the public and leaders at all levels of government to join us in condemning this hate crime. Attacks on places of worship have no place in a respectful and diverse society of Canada,” it said.