Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): A reported threatening phone call targeting the Dashmesh Culture Centre in Calgary has prompted concern within the local Sikh community, with Calgary Police Service investigating the circumstances surrounding the communication.
According to the Gurudwara committee, a call received on Saturday allegedly included a threat that a group of approximately 75 people would come to the Gurudwara and attempt to damage or demolish the building. The committee also alleges that the call contained racially offensive comments. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the identity and intentions of the caller have not been established.
Gurudwara Chairman said the matter was promptly brought to the attention of Calgary Police Service, including Deputy Chief Asif Rashid, and police responded to the situation. Gurudwara President Grewal told to National Times the telephone number associated with the call may have been used by another individual and that similar wording had reportedly been associated with the number. He said this has raised questions about whether the call or the information connected to it may have been manipulated or otherwise tampered with.
Chairman Ranbir Parmar said Calgary Police are investigating the matter and that the offices of Members of Parliament and the Alberta Premier have also been informed.
Parmar further expressed concern about the broader community environment, referring to recent protests involving international students and what he described as an increasing number of racist and inflammatory comments appearing on social media. He said such comments are concerning and urged community members not to allow online rhetoric or isolated incidents to create further division or tension.
“We appeal to everyone to remain calm, vigilant and united against racism, threats and intimidation,” Parmar said. He urged anyone who receives a threatening communication or observes suspicious activity to report it directly to police rather than responding or confronting individuals themselves.
The incident comes at a time when community organizations are calling for greater vigilance and respectful dialogue amid heightened public discussion surrounding immigration, international students and other social issues.
Calgary Police Service is investigating the reported communication. At this stage, no individual or group has been publicly identified as responsible, and the allegations should not be treated as established fact unless confirmed through the investigation.
