‘Despicable act:’ India condemns vandalism at California’s Hindu temple; US group urges Kash Patel to investigate

The Indian foreign ministry on Sunday (March 9) condemned the recent act of vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the US state of California, calling it a “despicable act."

The temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti and slogans like ‘Hindus go back’.

This is the second such incident of vandalism at a Hindu temple in California within five months.

In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms."

The ministry also called on American law enforcement agencies to look into the matter and punish those responsible.

“Also ensure adequate security in places of worship," the statement added.

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Temple defaced on Saturday

The temple in California was defaced on Saturday (March 8), as confirmed by the BAPS. In a statement, it said the “Hindu community stands steadfast against hate”.

“Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” it added.

FBI chief Kash Patel urged to act

The Hindu American Foundation, reacting to the incident, urged FBI chief Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to investigate the matter.

The group asked the Chino Hills Police Department to “investigate this latest in a string of anti-Hindu hate crimes on our sacred spaces”.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) described the incident as another example of rampant Hinduphobia in the country.

It stated the act was “just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination”.

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On social media, the group also posted the names of 10 Hindu temples that have been targeted by extremists in US since 2022.

Previous such incidents

On September 25 last year, the BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalised with graffiti containing expletives and messages like “Hindus go back.”

Just days earlier, another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hateful messages.

The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the incidents and brought them to the attention of US authorities.

A report by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) released in May 2023 highlighted a rise in anti-Hindu hate crimes, making them the second-most reported form of religious bias in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)