NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Cary, N.C., January 23, 2026: Local authorities are investigating an incident of vandalism reported at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple of North Carolina in Cary during the early morning hours of January 18, according to temple officials and police.
Temple representatives said a Dvārapālaka statue, one of the guardian deity sculptures located outside the temple, was found damaged. The Cary Police Department confirmed that it was notified of the incident and has opened an investigation. No arrests have been announced as of publication.
According to statements from temple officials cited in media reports, surveillance cameras captured footage of individuals leaving the temple premises in a small sedan shortly after the damage occurred. Police are reviewing the footage as part of the investigation.
Temple authorities emphasized that the inner sanctum was not affected, and regular religious services have continued. Restoration of the damaged statue is being undertaken in accordance with traditional religious practices, temple representatives said.
The incident has raised concern among members of the local Hindu community. National advocacy organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation, issued statements urging a thorough investigation and calling attention to broader concerns about vandalism targeting religious institutions. Police have not indicated whether the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
Anyone with information related to the incident has been asked to contact the Cary Police Department.
