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Gurdwara Raid: Man Arrested, Refuge Faces Eviction
18 Dec
Summary
- Police raided a gurdwara property early morning, detaining one man.
- The raid raised concerns about potential illegal immigrants among visitors.
- A women's refuge housed at the property faces eviction, leaving residents vulnerable.
A dawn raid on December 16 at a property owned by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall in London resulted in the arrest of one man by police and immigration officers. The property is one of several designated for staff and visiting preachers. The gurdwara's executive committee confirmed the detention of an individual not approved by the current committee.
Concerns over illegal immigration were reportedly a factor in the police's execution of a search warrant for criminal activity. The presence of numerous visiting preachers led immigration services to be called. This action has also led to a dispute concerning a women's refuge operating from one of the gurdwara's properties, which has been asked to return the keys.
The refuge director expressed distress, stating the three women and five children housed there have nowhere to go. The gurdwara secretary indicated the notice was served due to a lack of knowledge about who resides on the property, aiming to prevent illegal immigration. The gurdwara has filed a complaint regarding the raid's lack of advance notification.
