California Hindu Mandir vandalised, local representatives, Indian American Congressmen express concern

California Hindu Mandir vandalised, local representatives, Indian American Congressmen express concern

durgesh dubey
26 Sep, 2024

Hindu

On September 25, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages, an act that occurred just ten days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York. Disturbing messages, including "Hindus go back," were found spray-painted on the temple's walls, raising significant concern within the local Hindu community.

In light of this intolerance, community leaders have vowed to unite against hate, emphasizing their commitment to fostering peace and harmony. The BAPS organization expressed their solidarity, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: 'Hindus go back!' We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.”

The vandalism included hateful graffiti and damage to the temple’s water supply, prompting an investigation classified as a ‘hate crime.’ BAPS officials are working closely with law enforcement to ensure accountability for those responsible. Following the incident, community members gathered for a prayer ceremony, drawing inspiration from the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, which emphasize peace and unity.

Local leaders, including California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Siri Pulipati, and Police Chief Matthew Tamayo, joined the prayer event, showing their support for the community and its beliefs. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the vandalism and has reported that vandals not only spray-painted graffiti but also damaged water pipes on the premises.

U.S. Representative Ami Bera, who represents California's 6th Congressional District, condemned the vandalism, stating, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.” The Hindu American Foundation echoed this sentiment, thanking Rep. Bera for his strong stance against hate crimes, highlighting that the messages were aimed at conflating Hindus with the Government of India and instructing them to "go home."

This attack on the Sacramento temple follows a September 17 incident at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York, where similar anti-Hindu graffiti was found. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned that incident as "unacceptable," urging for swift action against those responsible.

Numerous U.S. lawmakers, including Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, have also denounced these ongoing acts of vandalism targeting Hindu places of worship. Thanedar described the latest incident as a "hideous act," calling for thorough investigations into all acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate.