Sacred Sikh Dastar Ripped from Father’s Head in Perth Shopping Centre: UNITED SIKHS Condemns Anti-Sikh Hate Crime

Perth, Western Australia | 18 October 2026

UNITED SIKHS Perth expresses outrage and concern following an alleged anti-Sikh hate crime that occurred on 15 October 2026 at a major shopping centre in Perth’s south-east.

At approximately 3:00PM, Mr. Singh was leaving the shopping centre with his wife and their nine-month-old child when they had just finished shopping when an unknown male approached him from behind, forcibly removed his Dastar (turban) and fled the scene carrying it.

Mr. Singh immediately pursued the offender and when confronted,  the man reportedly threw the turban to the ground before fleeing. In a state of shock and distress, Mr Singh retrieved his Dastar and carefully re-tied it layer by layer.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, in a busy public space, and in the presence of Mr Singh’s young family.

Mr Singh described the ordeal as traumatic.

For Sikhs, the Dastar is far more than a piece of clothing. It is a sacred article of faith and a spiritual crown that represents commitment to equality, justice, courage and the principles of Guru Nanak. To forcibly remove a Sikh’s turban is an act of profound religious disrespect and humiliation. This attack did not merely target one man — it assaulted the entire Western Australian Sikh community.

Mr Singh has lodged a formal complaint with Western Australia Police (WAPOL). UNITED SIKHS Perth understands that CCTV footage of the incident has been secured and is assisting police with their investigation.

UNITED SIKHS Perth stands in full solidarity with Mr Singh and his family.

We call upon Western Australia Police to investigate this matter thoroughly and to consider all relevant circumstances surrounding the incident. We also call upon community leaders, elected representatives, faith organisations, and the wider public to speak out against racism, hate, and religious intolerance wherever they occur.

UNITED SIKHS Perth remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of the Sikh community across Western Australia. We will continue to support Mr. Singh and his family, cooperate with authorities, and advocate for justice and accountability.

Western Australia is built upon values of respect, diversity, and multicultural harmony. Incidents such as this undermine those values and must be met with accountability, not silence.

UNITED SIKHS has successfully won over 176 racial discrimination cases in Australia since 2009. While some incidents of racism attract public attention, many occur quietly and remain unreported. We encourage anyone who has experienced racism, discrimination, or a hate-related incident to seek support and report it.

For assistance or to report an incident of racism or discrimination, please contact UNITED SIKHS Australia.