BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple defaced, police search for vandals
Police are hoping witnesses can help identify suspected vandals on Virginia Street toward James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, between 1 and 2 a.m. on Friday, May 5.Credit: NSW Police
The Australian Sikh Association, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guruduara and the North Shore Sikh Association issued a joint statement condemning the graffiti.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this heinous act of senseless vandalism at this religious site,” the statement said.
“We support our Hindu brothers and sisters at this difficult time and together we demand the right to practice our faith in peace.”
Cumberland Police Commander Superintendent Sheridan Waldau said she hopes the community can help investigators identify the person or car depicted in the images released Saturday.
“We are also confident that the person or occupants of the car will contact investigators as we believe they may have important information to the investigation,” Waldau said.
“NSW Police work closely with members of a very diverse community in western Sydney and it is disappointing that actions like this can create unnecessary strain.”
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Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
“It is unfortunate that attacks on temples have been reported regularly in Australia in recent weeks,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in March.
Greenway Rep. Michelle Rowland wrote on Facebook that acts of hate against places of worship are unacceptable.
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