Police responded to a brief dispute at Surrey’s Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. The situation ended peacefully with no arrests or charges filed.
Where the Incident Occurred
On July 20, Surrey police were called to the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, a prominent Hindu temple located in the Newton area of Surrey, British Columbia. The call came after tensions flared between two groups on temple grounds.
Who Was Involved
According to temple president Satish Kumar, the disagreement involved individuals from two factions—described as “the opposition party and the host”—connected to a previously disputed temple election. No names were released by officials.
What Happened
The incident was described as a verbal disagreement that lasted between 20 to 30 minutes. While initially concerning, Kumar clarified that it was “more of a discussion than a heated confrontation,” and that it did not escalate to physical conflict.
When Police Responded
Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers arrived shortly after the dispute began on Saturday, July 20. They monitored the situation on-site to ensure the disagreement did not grow further.
Why the Dispute Occurred
The disagreement appears to be linked to lingering tensions from a temple election held last year. Discontent between the leadership and opposing members has reportedly continued since then, occasionally surfacing during temple events.
How the Situation Was Resolved
Police did not make any arrests or file charges. SPS Sergeant Tige Pollock confirmed there was no ongoing investigation. “All parties were encouraged by SPS to keep the peace,” he stated, adding that the situation was resolved amicably at the scene.
