Vandals Strike Cary's Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pre-Dawn Attack, Damaging Sacred Guardian Statue

In the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple in Cary became the target of a pre-dawn act of vandalism that has shaken the local Hindu community. Surveillance cameras at the temple captured at least five individuals approaching the premises around 3:00 a.m., damaging the Dvarapalaka statue standing at the temple entrance before fleeing the scene in a small sedan. The Cary Police Department opened an investigation and has reached out to the public for anonymous tips to help identify the group.

🪔 Suspects Flee in Sedan After Damaging Dvarapalaka Statue at Sri Venkateswara Temple

The Cary Police Department is investigating a case of vandalism at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple in Cary, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Surveillance cameras at the temple captured images of at least five individuals who ran toward a small sedan and then sped away from the temple shortly before the Dvarapalaka statue, positioned at the entrance of the Hindu temple, was discovered to have been damaged. According to ABC11 News, the car is described as a small sedan. The Dvarapalaka, traditionally depicted as a guardian figure placed at the threshold of Hindu temples, is a significant sacred symbol for the temple's congregation. The Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina is a prominent Hindu temple serving the Triangle area's large and growing South Indian community, regularly hosting festivals, puja services, and cultural events. As of the time of the report, police had not publicly named any suspects or established the motive for the attack. The Cary Police Department is asking anyone with information about the vehicle or the individuals involved to contact Cary Crimestoppers. [1]

🤝 Hindu Community in Cary Seeks Answers as Police Continue Investigation

For the Hindu community in Cary, the January 18 vandalism at the Sri Venkateswara of North Carolina temple represents more than property damage — it has struck at the congregation's sense of safety and belonging in a city where South Asian families have established deep roots. According to reporting by Evrim Agaci, the damaged Dvarapalaka statue at the temple's entrance symbolically guards the threshold of a sacred space that regularly hosts religious festivals, pujas, and community gatherings that bring together worshippers from across the greater Triangle area. The Cary Police Department has confirmed that detectives are working diligently to identify those involved in the early-morning attack and determine the circumstances and any potential motive behind the damage to the religious property. Authorities are emphasising that community assistance is critical to advancing the case and have encouraged anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Cary Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636 or via the online platform at www.p3tips.com/1242. Investigators are reviewing the surveillance footage showing at least five individuals leaving the scene in a small sedan and are asking residents who may have witnessed unusual activity near the temple on the night of January 17 to 18 to contact law enforcement. [5]

Sources: [1] ABC11 News · [5] Evrim Ağacı