Hindu Temple in US Faces Repeat Vandalism with Hateful Graffiti.

Hate Strikes Twice: US Temple Vandalized with Anti-Hindu Graffiti Again Within 10 Days.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was vandalized with a hateful message reading, ‘Hindus go back’….

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Sept 26, 2024:: California’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir suffered vandalism on Wednesday, with perpetrators leaving expletive-laden anti-Hindu graffiti. This incident marks the second hate crime targeting Hindu temples in the US within two weeks. According to BAPS Public Affairs, their Sacramento temple was defaced with the discriminatory message ‘Hindus go back!’ From visuals it is seen that the graffiti reads, ‘Modi- Dr Jaishankar Terrorists —- Modi- Hindus go back!’

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The Sacramento Police Department is investigating a hate crime vandalism incident at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather, where perpetrators not only defaced the temple with anti-Hindu graffiti but also intentionally damaged the property by cutting water lines.

“Detectives and CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) are on scene,” they posted on X.

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In response to the hate crime, Hindu community leaders convened at the Sacramento temple for a solemn prayer ceremony, promoting ‘peace and unity’.

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The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, was vandalized on September 16, with expletives sprayed on the road and signage outside the temple. This incident occurred just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, about 17 miles away, where he met with the Indian community.

The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the vandalism, calling it “unacceptable” and a “heinous act.” This incident is particularly disturbing given its proximity to the event with Prime Minister Modi and highlights concerns about hate crimes and vandalism targeting religious institutions.

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, including the recent desecration of a Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, which was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages. These events underscore the need for increased vigilance and community support to prevent such incidents.

“No Place For Religious Bigotry And Hatred”

Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has strongly condemned the vandalism at the Hindu temple in Sacramento, emphasizing that there’s no place for religious bigotry and hatred in the community. He urged everyone to stand against intolerance, ensuring everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of their faith. This incident marks the second time in 10 days that a Hindu temple in the US has been targeted with anti-Hindu graffiti.

“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,” Bera posted on X.

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Ro Khanna, an Indian-American Congressman, has strongly condemned the recent vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, calling it “appalling and morally wrong.” He’s urging the Department of Justice to investigate these hate crimes and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. This incident is particularly disturbing, as it’s the second time in less than 10 days that a Hindu temple in the US has been targeted with anti-Hindu graffiti.

Khanna’s statement echoes the concerns of the Hindu community, who are feeling increasingly vulnerable amidst a rise in hate crimes. In fact, there were 37 instances of anti-Hindu hate crimes reported in 2021 and 2022, with at least three known attacks on Hindu temples in California since December 2023.

The Congressman’s call to action is backed by other Indian-American lawmakers, including Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Shri Thanedar, who’ve jointly urged the Department of Justice to address the “alarming” rise of Hindu hate crimes. They’re seeking a briefing on the status of investigations into recent vandalism incidents at Hindu temples across the country.

The Hindu American community is seeking swift action and stronger protections against hate crimes. As Pushpita Prasad of the Coalition of Hindus of North America puts it, “Freedom of religion means little when sacred spaces that are meant to be an oasis of peace and calm are vandalized with no consequences”.

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__Inputs from Agencies and X.