Temple vandalised with anti-Hindu graffiti in US, marking second attack in 8 days
PTC News Desk: The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was desecrated with anti-Hindu graffiti on Wednesday, marking the second attack in the United States within eight days. The temple, located in Sacramento, was vandalized with messages such as "Hindus go back," prompting condemnation from community leaders and authorities alike.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), BAPS Public Affairs expressed their solidarity against hate, saying, "We stand united against hate with prayers for peace."
Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. — BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Police Department confirmed they are investigating the incident as a hate crime, describing the vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Reports indicate that the perpetrator also severed water lines on the property, prompting a swift response from detectives and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) teams.
In response to the vandalism, Hindu community leaders convened at the Sacramento temple for a prayer ceremony, advocating for "peace and unity" within the community.
@sacsheriff and @RanchoCordovaPD are investigating a vandalism being classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene. pic.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA — Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024
This recent act follows a similar incident on September 16, when the road and signage outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, were defaced with expletives. Melville, located in Suffolk County, is approximately 28 kilometers from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where Prime Minister Modi spoke at a major community event just days later. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the Melville vandalism, calling it "unacceptable" and a "heinous act."
Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the @BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate. pic.twitter.com/LVBUAkCBnh — BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 26, 2024
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, who represents Sacramento County, strongly denounced the vandalism, asserting that there is "no place for religious bigotry and hatred" in the community. He emphasised the importance of standing against intolerance and ensuring that everyone, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.
Fellow Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna also reacted, stating that such acts of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism are "appalling and morally wrong." He urged the Department of Justice to investigate these hate crimes thoroughly and hold the responsible parties accountable under the law.
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- With inputs from agencies
