Man charged with sex assault of youth at Surrey, B.C. gurdwara

A 59-year-old man, who volunteered atGurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib, in Surrey, B.C., has been charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault there in 2023, RCMP said.

Ajastar Singhwas charged on July 2this year, followingan alleged assault at the Sikh temple, whichwas reported on May 4, 2023, Surrey RCMP said in a Friday statement.

At the time, RCMP saida 15-year-old girl reported being sexually assaulted at or near the gurdwara, which is located at 15255 68 Ave.in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey.

NarinderSinghWalia, president of the gurdwara, told CBC News that Singh was a volunteer at the temple and has not been back since the alleged assault.

Singh appeared in court on July 4, and was released under court-ordered conditions pending a future court date. He was charged with sexual assault, and sexual interference with a person under 16.

His release conditionsinclude not havingcontact with children under 16, not being in public areas where children are likely to be present and not seeking employment or volunteer roles that involve working with children.