Vandals Damage Sacred Entrance Statue at Cary's Sri Venkateswara Temple

Five individuals were recorded on surveillance cameras vandalizing the Dvarapalaka statue at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina in Cary around 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, before speeding away from the grounds in a small sedan. The Cary Police Department confirmed the investigation within days and is actively working to identify all five suspects. Officers have called on the public to contact Cary Crimestoppers with any information, stressing that anonymous tips are accepted.

🤝 Surveillance Video Captures Five Suspects Fleeing Hindu Temple

The Cary Police Department opened an investigation after surveillance cameras at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple captured footage of five individuals running to a small sedan and speeding away from the premises around 3 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Dvarapalaka statue, a sacred guardian figure traditionally placed at the entrance of Hindu temples, was discovered damaged shortly after the suspects were seen departing the scene. Detectives are working to identify all five individuals and are investigating the circumstances behind the damage. The department asked residents with information to contact Cary Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636, noting that anonymous tips are accepted. According to ABC11 WTVD's coverage, police confirmed that at least five individuals were visible on surveillance footage running toward the vehicle before leaving the scene at speed. The Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina is one of the prominent Hindu temples in the greater Raleigh area, serving a significant segment of the region's South Asian community. The act of vandalism against a religiously significant statue at the temple entrance drew concern from local Hindu residents and community organisations who look to the site as a centre of faith, culture, and community gathering. The investigation remained ongoing as of the reporting date, with officers continuing efforts to trace the five suspects and determine what led to the damage. [1]

🗳️ Cary Police Confirm Evidence and Seek Anonymous Tips From Public

WRAL reported that Cary police confirmed that surveillance cameras at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina captured images of five people around 3 a.m. on a Sunday, showing the group leaving the area in a small sedan before speeding away from the temple grounds. The investigation was publicly confirmed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for an incident that had taken place days earlier. Officers identified the Dvarapalaka statue, located at the front of the temple, as the item found damaged after the suspects were seen departing on camera. Police stated that their investigation remained ongoing as they worked to identify those involved and establish the circumstances of the damage. The Cary Police Department directed members of the public to two reporting options: Cary Crimestoppers at 919-460-4636 and the anonymous online platform at p3tips.com/1242. Authorities emphasized that neither reporting method requires a person to reveal their identity, encouraging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. The vandalism of a religious statue at one of Cary's most significant Hindu temples drew concern from the local Hindu community and highlighted the importance of protecting sites of cultural and religious significance. Law enforcement's active investigation reflects the seriousness with which the department is treating an act directed at a place of worship and community faith. [4]

Sources: [1] ABC11 News · [4] WRAL