Hindu temple in Cary vandalized, Dvarapalaka statue damaged in pre-dawn attack
The Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina Hindu temple in Cary was targeted in a vandalism attack in the early hours of January 18, 2026, when surveillance cameras captured five individuals damaging the Dvarapalaka guardian statue at the temple entrance before fleeing in a small sedan. Cary Police Department launched an investigation and is asking the public for anonymous tips. The incident has shaken the local Hindu community, raising concerns about safety and the protection of religious sites.
🪔 Dvarapalaka Statue Damaged at Sri Venkateswara Temple
ABC11 News reported that the Cary Police Department is investigating a case of vandalism at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina, one of the Triangle area's most prominent Hindu temples. The incident took place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, around 3:00 a.m., when surveillance video at the temple captured at least five individuals approaching the premises. According to police, the footage shows the group running to a small sedan and speeding away from the scene in what appeared to be a hasty departure. Shortly after the suspects fled, the Dvarapalaka statue positioned at the front of the temple was discovered to have been damaged. The Dvarapalaka is a traditional guardian figure found at the entrances of Hindu temples, representing protection and spiritual watchfulness. Detectives from the Cary Police Department are working to identify the individuals seen in the video and to determine the circumstances that led to the attack. Authorities stressed the importance of community assistance in advancing the investigation, noting that anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to Cary Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636 and that callers do not need to reveal their identity. The case has drawn significant concern among local residents and Hindu community members, who view the temple not only as a religious site but as a cornerstone of cultural identity in the Cary area. The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to review the surveillance footage and pursue leads. [1]
🤝 Cary Police Continue Active Search for Temple Vandalism Suspects
WRAL reported that Cary police confirmed their investigation into the vandalism incident at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple following the damage discovered earlier in the week. According to the Cary Police Department, surveillance cameras installed at the temple complex recorded images of five people on the property around 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 18. The footage shows the group leaving the area by getting into a small sedan before driving away at speed. Shortly after the individuals were seen departing, temple staff discovered that the Dvarapalaka statue standing at the front of the temple had been damaged. Police stated that their investigation is ongoing and that detectives are actively working to identify the individuals involved in the incident. Authorities also said they are working to determine the circumstances behind the damage, which could be a factor in how charges are ultimately pursued. The Cary Police Department appealed to the public for any information that might assist in identifying the suspects or shedding light on the events of that early morning. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Cary Crimestoppers at 919-460-4636 or by visiting the online reporting portal at www.p3tips.com/1242, which allows members of the public to provide information without identifying themselves. The investigation signals the seriousness with which local law enforcement is treating the incident, which occurred at a place of worship that holds deep spiritual meaning for the Hindu community in the greater Cary region. [3]
🪔 Hindu Community in Cary Seeks Answers and Support After Temple Attack
Evrim Agaci provided detailed coverage of the January 18, 2026 attack on the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina Hindu temple in Cary, describing the incident as one that left both local worshippers and law enforcement searching for answers. According to the report, surveillance cameras at the temple captured a group of at least five individuals approaching the premises in the early hours, around 3:00 a.m. The footage, reviewed by the Cary Police Department, showed these individuals running toward a small sedan before hastily leaving the area. The urgency of their escape suggested a level of premeditation that investigators are focused on understanding. Shortly after the suspects fled, the Dvarapalaka statue at the temple entrance was found damaged. The Dvarapalaka traditionally represents a guardian standing at the threshold of Hindu temples, and its damage struck the community as both a physical and symbolic blow. For many in the local Hindu community, the coverage noted, the attack felt like more than just property destruction — it was described as a symbolic affront to their sense of security and belonging in Cary. The Cary Police Department confirmed that detectives are working diligently to identify those involved, and that every effort is being made to determine potential motives. Officials emphasized community cooperation as vital to resolving the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Cary Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636 or submit tips anonymously through www.p3tips.com/1242. As coverage described, the Sri Venkateswara temple is regarded by residents as much more than a building — it functions as a hub of cultural, spiritual, and social life for Cary's Hindu diaspora community. [5]
Sources: [1] ABC11 News · [3] WRAL · [5] Evrim Ağacı