Police responded to a brief dispute at Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey. No arrests were made, and the situation was resolved on-site without escalation.
Police Respond to Tension at Newton’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
A minor conflict unfolded at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Surrey’s Newton neighbourhood, on the afternoon of July 20. Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers were called to the scene after a disagreement broke out between two groups during temple activities.
Disagreement Stems from Past Temple Election
According to temple president Satish Kumar, the disagreement was rooted in tensions following a contested temple election held last year. He described the incident as “a discussion, not a heated confrontation,” involving the opposition party and the current leadership.
Situation Defused Without Escalation
The dispute lasted approximately 20 to 30 minutes before police arrived and intervened. Officers assessed the situation and ensured that all parties remained calm. Sgt. Tige Pollock of SPS confirmed that no arrests were made and no charges were filed.
Police Emphasize Peaceful Resolution
In a statement to local media, Sgt. Pollock said, “All parties were encouraged by SPS to keep the peace. No further investigation is ongoing.” Authorities noted the cooperation of those involved and commended the calm resolution.
Community Continues Regular Operations
Temple operations resumed shortly after the incident, with worshippers continuing their activities without further disruption. The temple remains open to the public, and officials have stated their commitment to maintaining harmony within the community.
Context and Broader Implications
While the dispute was minor and quickly resolved, it reflects underlying tensions that can emerge in community-led religious organizations, particularly during leadership transitions. The temple has since reaffirmed its focus on unity and spiritual service for its members.
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