Contrasting responses from two Sikh religious institutions have exposed a divide over the handling of a Wallan teenager’s welfare, as a relative claims why the family had not been kept informed about her circumstances.
One sikh institution reportedly supported protests and circulated photographs of 15-year-old Krishleen Kaur. At the same time, Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Craigieburn has urged community members to stop sharing her image, avoid speculation and respect her privacy.
Manvir Kaur, who identified herself as Krishleen’s maternal aunt, has now raised concerns on social media about communication between those supporting the teenager and her relatives.
“We heard she was with the Sikh family. No one discussed any of this for the confirmation with us!” Manvir wrote.
She said the family had received a different address from authorities and believed only a particular circle knew where Krishleen was staying.
“Only a particular group knew about it and no one bothered to keep us in the loop. Yes we thank the family for keeping her safe. But we want to know how she ended up in the family.”
Manvir’s account raises questions about what information was shared, when it was shared and with whom. It does not establish why information may have been withheld, or whether privacy considerations or advice from authorities affected communication.
In its statement dated Thursday, 29 October, Sri Guru Singh Sabha said its representatives had met Krishleen the previous day and found her “safe and well”.
The management committee said she was staying with a Gursikh family and that relevant authorities were aware of the arrangements. It said its team had been in contact with police and child protection services to help ensure appropriate support was in place.
Manvir’s post did not dispute the assurance that the teenager was safe. Instead, she questioned why those involved had not communicated directly with relatives or people attending the protest.
“Even if girl did not wanna return to mum dad or whatsoever but none of the members of that Sikh family or their circle bothered to tell us the relatives or any community members at the protest earlier about it,” she wrote.
The available accounts do not establish whether the people criticised in Manvir’s post were acting on behalf of either religious institution.
According to information provided to The Australia Today, another gurdwara helped circulate posters featuring Krishleen’s photograph and supported the gathering outside Wallan Secondary College.
Religious leaders backing the protest also challenged media representatives and maintained that allegations about her being missing, drugs and grooming directed at the school were correct. Those allegations have not been independently substantiated.
Sri Guru Singh Sabha’s statement took a different approach.
“There have also been rumours circulating regarding possible drug involvement and grooming. We urge everyone not to speculate or share unverified information,” the committee said.
It asked community members to stop circulating the teenager’s photograph and personal information and to refrain from further protests, warning that gatherings “may cause additional distress to Krishleen and affect her emotional wellbeing”.
The contrasting messages place publicity, privacy and communication with relatives at the centre of the disagreement.
The Australia Today has been told that rivalry between the institutions for influence within the Sikh community is contributing to the dispute.
Sri Guru Singh Sabha’s statement does not name another institution or accuse anyone of exploiting the situation. Its requests are directed broadly to the congregation and wider community.
Photographs from the protest show placards referring to grooming and drugs and demanding action against school management. A separate poster used Krishleen’s image to promote a gathering calling for her safe return.
Placing a child’s photograph alongside serious allegations can encourage the public to draw connections that have not been established. Community leaders’ insistence that those claims are correct does not substitute for evidence.
Questions also remain about when those circulating missing-person posters learned that Krishleen had reportedly been located and whether they updated their appeals.
Manvir previously told The Australia Today that police had informed her and Krishleen’s mother that the teenager was safe but did not want to return home at that stage. Her latest comments concern the arrangements surrounding her stay and the lack of direct communication she says followed.
The Australia Today has not spoken with Krishleen and cannot independently establish her wishes.
Wallan Secondary College previously declined to comment on the individual matter and referred enquiries to the Victorian Department of Education. A department spokesperson directed questions to Victoria Police.
Sri Guru Singh Sabha said it would not disclose further details because of the sensitivity of the situation and the need to protect the child’s privacy.
“At this time, Krishleen’s safety, privacy and wellbeing must remain our priority,” the committee said.
The unresolved issue is what communication occurred between the family, those supporting Krishleen and the relevant authorities.
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