The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was recently desecrated with anti-Hindu messages, marking the second incident of its kind in the US within a short span of time. The BAPS Public Affairs reported that their temple in Sacramento was defaced with a “Hindus go back” message.
“We stand united against hate with prayers for peace,” they shared in a post on social media.
The Sacramento Police have initiated an investigation into the vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather, which is being classified as a hate crime. The perpetrators also caused damage by cutting water lines at the property.
Following the incident, Hindu community leaders gathered at the temple in Sacramento to hold a prayer ceremony advocating for peace and unity.
Earlier in September, a similar act of vandalism occurred at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, where expletives were sprayed on the road and signage outside the temple.
“No Place For Religious Bigotry And Hatred”
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera condemned the vandalism at the Hindu temple and emphasized that there is no room for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento.
Ro Khanna, another Indian-American Congressman, denounced the hate crime against Hindu Americans and called for a thorough investigation by the Department of Justice to hold the responsible parties accountable.
