Perth, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
UNITED SIKHS Perth has condemned an alleged anti-Sikh hate incident in which a Sikh man’s Dastar (turban) was forcibly removed from his head at a shopping centre in Perth’s south-east on October 15.
According to UNITED SIKHS, the incident occurred at around 3 p.m. when the man, identified as Mr Singh, was leaving the shopping centre with his wife and nine-month-old child after shopping. An unidentified man allegedly approached him from behind, removed his Dastar and fled with it.
Mr Singh reportedly chased the man and confronted him, following which the accused allegedly threw the turban to the ground before fleeing. UNITED SIKHS said Mr Singh retrieved his Dastar and, while distressed, carefully re-tied it.
The organisation described the incident as traumatic, particularly as it occurred in broad daylight in a busy public place and in the presence of the victim’s young family.
UNITED SIKHS said the Dastar holds deep religious significance for Sikhs as a sacred article of faith and represents values including equality, justice and courage. It condemned the alleged act as religiously offensive and humiliating.
Mr Singh has lodged a formal complaint with Western Australia Police (WAPOL), while CCTV footage of the incident has reportedly been secured. UNITED SIKHS said it was assisting police with the investigation.
The organisation called on WAPOL to conduct a thorough investigation and consider all circumstances surrounding the incident. It also urged community leaders, elected representatives, faith organisations and the wider public to speak out against racism, hate and religious intolerance.
UNITED SIKHS said it would continue supporting Mr Singh and his family, cooperating with authorities and advocating for justice and accountability.
The organisation also said it has successfully pursued more than 176 racial discrimination cases in Australia since 2009 and encouraged people who experience racism, discrimination or hate-related incidents to report them and seek support.
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