Surrey police seek witnesses after Hindu temple vandalized

Vandalism suspects are seen outside the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in this image handed out by the Surrey Police Service.

Police in Surrey are appealing for witnesses after what they describe as a “disturbing incident” of vandalism at a Hindu temple last weekend.

Around 3 a.m. on April 19, multiple suspects spray-painted pillars and a sign at the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir located in the 8300 block of 140th Street, according to police.

Later that day, Surrey hosted the largest Vaisakhi parade in the world to celebrate the Sikh holiday.

“It’s always concerning when something like this happens,” Surrey Police Service Sgt. Tige Pollock told CTV News.

“Of course, we support people’s Charter rights to observe whatever religion they want, and they should feel safe in doing that.”

Police released images of the suspects, wearing face coverings, and vehicle, a white pickup truck believed to be a Dodge Ram, Friday in hopes witnesses and those with information will come forward.

The same morning, suspects vandalized a Sikh temple in South Vancouver with pro-Khalistan and anti-India messages.

Read more: Vancouver Sikh temple vandalized on morning of Surrey Vaisakhi parade

Earlier this week, the Vancouver Police Department released images of the suspects, who were also masked, and the vehicle, also a white pickup truck.

Read more: Police seek witnesses to weekend vandalism at Vancouver Sikh temple

The SPS and the VPD are working together on the investigation, but Pollock said police are still trying to figure out whether the same people were involved in both acts of vandalism.

Anyone who can identify the suspects or has dash camera video is asked to call the SPS at 604-599-0502 and reference file number 2025-32517, or leave an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.