Cary Police Investigate Pre-Dawn Vandalism of Sacred Statue at Sri Venkateswara Temple
Early morning vandalism at a prominent Hindu temple in Cary, North Carolina, has prompted a police investigation and stirred concern among local worshippers. Five suspects are being sought after surveillance footage captured them fleeing the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple around 3 a.m. on January 18, 2026. The Dvarapalaka statue at the temple entrance was discovered damaged in the aftermath of the incident.
🪔 WTVD: Surveillance Video Shows Five Suspects Fleeing Temple
The Cary Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina Hindu temple, according to reporting by WTVD-TV on Friday, January 23, 2026. The incident took place around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. A video from the temple's surveillance system shows at least five individuals running toward a waiting car and then speeding away from the scene. Police described the getaway vehicle as a small sedan. Shortly after the suspects fled the area, temple staff discovered that the Dvarapalaka statue positioned in front of the temple had been damaged. Detectives from the Cary Police Department are actively working to identify all individuals involved in the vandalism. They are also investigating the specific circumstances surrounding the damage to the statue. The department has asked members of the public to come forward with any information they may have about the incident. Individuals with tips are encouraged to contact Cary Crimestoppers at the number (919) 460-4636. Authorities have assured potential tipsters that they are not required to reveal their identity when making a report. [1]
🪔 WRAL: Ongoing Police Search for Suspects in Temple Vandalism
WRAL reported that Cary Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into vandalism that took place at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple. According to the Cary Police Department, surveillance cameras at the temple captured images of five people around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The footage showed the group leaving the temple area in a small sedan before accelerating away from the scene. Shortly after their departure, the Dvarapalaka statue at the front of the temple was found to have been damaged. Police stated their investigation remains ongoing and that they are working to identify all individuals involved. Officers are also focused on determining the exact circumstances behind the damage to the statue. The department appealed to the public for assistance in solving the case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Cary Crimestoppers by phone at 919-460-4636. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online at www.p3tips.com/1242. Police emphasized the availability of anonymous reporting options to encourage community cooperation with the investigation. [4]
🪔 Community Shaken as Pre-Dawn Attack Damages Symbolic Temple Guardian
A detailed account from Grand Pinnacle Tribune via Evrim Agaci describes how the early hours of January 18, 2026, brought disruption to the Cary community when surveillance cameras at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina captured at least five individuals approaching the temple. The footage, reviewed by Cary Police, shows those individuals running toward a small sedan before hastily leaving the area. The urgency of the departure has led investigators to consider the possibility of premeditation. The Dvarapalaka statue, a traditional symbolic guardian positioned at the entrance of Hindu temples, was found damaged after the suspects fled. For many in Cary's local Hindu community, the attack represents both a physical blow to a sacred space and a symbolic challenge to their sense of security and belonging in the city. The Cary Police Department has confirmed that detectives are working diligently to identify those responsible and uncover any motive behind the act. Authorities have urged community members to assist by calling Cary Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through www.p3tips.com/1242. The Sri Venkateswara temple is described as a hub of cultural, spiritual, and social activity that regularly hosts festivals for Cary's Hindu community. [6]
Sources: [1] ABC11 News · [4] WRAL · [6] Evrim Ağacı