Canadian Authorities Release Photos of Gurdwara Vandalism Suspects
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Synopsis
The Canadian Police have released images of a vehicle and two suspects involved in the vandalism of the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara in Vancouver, which occurred on April 19, provoking outrage in the Sikh community.
Key Takeaways
- Images of suspects released by Canadian Police.
- Vandalism involved pro-Khalistan graffiti.
- Public assistance sought for identification.
- Investigation indicates coordinated extremist actions.
- Local Sikh community outraged and condemns the act.
Vancouver, April 24 (NationPress) The Canadian Police have unveiled images of a vehicle along with two individuals who were present outside the Khalsa Diwan Society (KDS) Gurdwara located on Ross Street in Vancouver during its recent vandalism incident. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying these individuals as they delve deeper into the investigation.
On April 19, the well-known KDS gurdwara in Canada was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, provoking outrage among the local Sikh community.
"We believe these individuals might have crucial information regarding this crime and its motivations. We urge anyone who can identify these individuals or the vehicle to reach out to our investigators," stated VPD Sergeant Steve Addison.
According to the police department, detectives from the major crime unit have been gathering and examining evidence from the crime scene and its vicinity, obtaining images of a white pickup truck along with two individuals present at that time.
"Police suspect that the truck passed through the area around the time of the incident, between approximately 4 and 4:30 a.m. on April 19. Two individuals associated with the vehicle reportedly walked near the temple's entrance. One was seen wearing a yellow cap, a yellow jacket, and black pants, while the other wore a grey hoodie with black pants," the VPD statement elaborated.
The police department commenced a criminal investigation on April 19 after suspects spray-painted walls outside the gurdwara, noting that the graffiti was inscribed in both English and Punjabi.
Last week, the KDS issued a statement condemning the act, labeling it as a calculated attempt to instill fear and division within the community.
"A small faction of Sikh separatists advocating for Khalistan defaced our sacred walls with divisive slogans such as 'Khalistan Zindabad,'" stated the gurdwara.
"This act is part of an ongoing campaign by extremist factions aiming to create fear and division within the Canadian Sikh community. Their actions contradict the principles of inclusivity, respect, and mutual support that are fundamental to both Sikhism and Canadian society," it added.
Following the recent vandalism of a Gurdwara in Vancouver, British Columbia, another alarming incident emerged where Khalistani elements targeted the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Surrey.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya strongly condemned these occurrences, stating, "The attacks on Hindu temples that began several years ago continue unabated today -- this latest graffiti on the Hindu temple serves as yet another disturbing reminder of the increasing influence of Khalistani extremism."
Arya cautioned against a broader, coordinated effort behind such actions: "Well-organized, well-funded, and backed by substantial political power. Khalistani factions are audaciously asserting their dominance while effectively silencing Hindu voices across Canada."
