America: BAPS temple in Sacramento vandalized with anti-Hindu messages

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25, just 10 days after a similar vandalism incident took place at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

The messages included phrases such as “Hindus go back”, which caused concern among the local Hindu community and in response, the community expressed its commitment to remain united against hate.

“Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, last night our Mandir in the Sacramento area of ​​California was desecrated with anti-Hindu hate slogans: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with a prayer for peace,” BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X.

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff’s deputies visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, and discovered graffiti. Deputies also said vandals had cut water lines on the property.

Reacting to the vandalism, Ami Bera, who represents CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives, posted on X, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this blatant act of vandalism in our community. We must all stand up against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of religion, feels safe and respected.”

The Hindu American Foundation, which promotes human dignity, mutual respect and pluralism, thanked Berry for raising the issue of hate crime targeting a Hindu temple. “Thank you @RepBera. This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with a message aligning Hindus with the Indian government and asking Hindus to ‘go home,'” the Hindu American Foundation posted on X.

Earlier on September 17, 2024, a similar incident of vandalism took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York.

The Consulate General of India in New York had also condemned the vandalism at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York and termed it “unacceptable”.

Several US lawmakers also condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York and demanded accountability from the authorities.

Congressmen also expressed concern over the repeated incidents of hatred and violence in the country.

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar strongly condemned this “heinous act” and stressed that such acts of “barbarity, bigotry and hatred” must be thoroughly investigated.