Centre Denounces Vandalism of Hindu Temple in California as ‘Despicable Acts’.

“Despicable Acts”: Centre After Hindu Temple Vandalised In California.

This comes months after the BAPS temple in California’s Sacramento was desecrated. In September, graffiti with expletives appeared on the temple premises.

Revati Goswami | HENB | New Delhi | March 9, 2025:: India has strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California, US, terming it a “despicable act”. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, urged local law enforcement authorities to take strict action against those responsible and ensure adequate security for places of worship.

The vandalism occurred at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, with anti-India and anti-Hindu messages, including “Hindus go back”, being sprayed on the temple premises ². This incident has caused significant concern among the local Hindu community.

The Indian government’s statement comes amid growing concerns about hate crimes against Hindus in the US. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has also condemned the attack, noting that it comes ahead of a planned “Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles.

The BAPS Public Affairs has released a statement, saying, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root”.

BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) has condemned the vandalism at their temple in Chino Hills, California, and affirmed that the Hindu community stands strong against hate.

In a statement on X, BAPS Public Affairs said, “In the face of another Mandir desecration… the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate… Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”

The official handle of the BAPS Los Angeles temple also denounced the act, saying, “We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities.” The temple emphasized its commitment to promoting peace, harmony, equality, and universal Hindu values.

This incident comes after similar desecrations at BAPS temples in Sacramento, California, and Melville, New York, in recent months. In September, the Sacramento temple was vandalized with graffiti containing expletives, and the Melville temple was defaced shortly before that.

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__Agency inputs.