On the morning of April 19, the Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara on Ross Street, a prominent Sikh temple in Vancouver, became the target of vandalism. The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is now reaching out to the public for help in solving the case, after the temple’s walls were spray-painted with graffiti in both English and Punjabi.
Graffiti Attack on Vancouver’s Sikh Temple
In a statement, VPD Sgt. Steve Addison called the incident troubling, urging anyone who may recognize the individuals or vehicle involved to come forward. “We believe these people may have information about this crime and what the motivation was,” Addison said.
The Khalsa Diwan Society Gurdwara, located near Ross Street and Marine Drive in South Vancouver, is one of the most well-known Sikh temples in the city. The vandalism, which occurred early in the morning, left both physical and emotional scars on the community.
Public Assistance Requested
The police have now released images of a white pickup truck and two individuals who were seen near the scene around the time of the offense, between 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on April 19. The two individuals, who appear to be connected to the vehicle, were seen walking near the temple’s entrance. One person was wearing a yellow cap, yellow jacket, and black pants, while the other was dressed in a grey hoodie and black pants.
The VPD’s major crime section is handling the investigation and is working diligently to collect evidence from the crime scene and the surrounding neighborhood.
A Call for Community Support
Sgt. Addison appealed to the community, saying, “We ask anyone who recognizes the people in these pictures or the vehicle to come forward and speak with our investigators.”
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of Vancouver’s diverse communities, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and understanding. As the investigation continues, the Vancouver Police Department is committed to uncovering the truth behind this act and ensuring that the individuals responsible are held accountable.
If you have any information, please contact the VPD or report it anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Let’s work together to protect the values of respect and unity in our community.
