New Delhi: In a disturbing display of intolerance, a prominent Hindu temple in California was recently vandalized with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. The incident occurred at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, just days before a controversial Khalistan referendum was set to take place in Los Angeles. This act of vandalism has not only drawn strong rebukes from India’s Ministry of External Affairs but also highlighted growing concerns about hate crimes targeting religious sites in North America.
The vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills involved the defacement of the temple with anti-India messages, an act that has been widely condemned by both local and international authorities. The timing of the incident, just before the Khalistan referendum, has raised suspicions about potential links to the separatist movement advocating for an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly denounced the act, labeling it “despicable” and urging local law enforcement to take stringent action against those responsible. The ministry also emphasized the need for enhanced security measures at places of worship to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the vandalism, BAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and harmony, stating that the Hindu community will not allow hate to prevail. Instead, they emphasized the importance of compassion and unity in the face of adversity. This incident follows a similar act of vandalism at a BAPS temple in Sacramento, California, in September 2024, where graffiti with expletives was used to deface the temple premises.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America has highlighted the ongoing issue of anti-Hindu bias incidents and called for a thorough investigation into these acts of vandalism. Their concerns are echoed by other advocacy groups, who are pushing for greater awareness and action against hate crimes targeting religious communities.
