An ongoing investigation by police is looking into a sexual assault incident that occurred at a Sikh temple in Surrey involving a 15-year-old girl.
Surrey RCMP received a report that a 15-year-old female youth had been sexually assaulted “at or in the area of the Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran located in the 15200-block of 68 Avenue”.
Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit has conduct of the investigation and have identified a suspect, who was arrested on May 5, 2023.
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Investigators say a 58-year-old male, who is an employee at the temple, has been released on conditions. The suspect must have no contact with the victim and not to be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16-year-old without another adult present.
“The suspect is an employee at the temple, and the employer has been advised of the allegations and the conditions of his release,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and charges have not yet been laid.”
At this point in the investigation, police are asking for anyone with additional information, including those who may have been at the Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran on May 4, 2023 between 6:30am and 8am to contact police and quote file number 2023-69537.
“Our Special Victims Unit are leading this investigation, with support for the youth victim from Surrey Women’s Centre,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha Media Relation Officer of Surrey RCMP.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward, as investigators continue to work to gather evidence and advance the investigation.”