The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday, the second such incident in the US in as many weeks. BAPS Public Affairs said their temple in Sacramento was desecrated with the message “Hindus go back”.
“We stand united against hate, praying for peace,” he said in a post on X.
Less than 10 days after the temple was desecrated @BAPS Temple in New York, our temple in the Sacramento, California area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate slogans: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with a prayer for peace.
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024
Sacramento police said they are investigating a vandalism “classified as a hate crime” at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather.
The accused had also cut off water lines to the property, he said.
“Detectives and CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) are on scene,” he posted on X.
@sacsheriff And @RanchoCordovaPD The vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather is being investigated and classified as a hate crime. Detectives and CSI are on scene. pic.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA
— Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024
Following the incident, Hindu community leaders gathered for a prayer ceremony at the Sacramento temple and called for “peace and unity”.
Community leaders gather for an emotional prayer ceremony @BAPS Following the desecration of the temple, the temple in Sacramento, California was vandalized. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we are 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
Earlier on September 16, expletives were sprayed on the road and signage outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York. Melville is located in Suffolk County and is about 28 kilometres from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where Prime Minister Modi addressed a large community event on Sunday.
The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the vandalism at Melville, calling it “unacceptable” and a “heinous act”.
“No place for religious fanaticism and hatred”
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, who represents Sacramento County, reacted to the vandalism of the Hindu temple and said that there is “no place for religious bigotry and hatred” in Sacramento.
“I strongly condemn this barbaric act in our community. We must all stand up against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of religion, feels safe and respected,” he wrote on Twitter.
There is no place for religious fanaticism and hatred in it #SacramentoCountyI strongly condemn this barbaric incident that took place in our community.
We must all stand up against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of religion, feels safe and respected.
— Ami Bera, MD (@RepBera) September 25, 2024
Another Indian-American Congressman, Ro Khanna, spoke on the incident, saying “This type of hatred and brutality towards Hindu Americans is appalling and morally wrong.”
Mr. Khanna said, “The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law.”
