India Registers Strong Protest After BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Vandalised in California

Sacramento: Unknown miscreants vandalised the BAPS Hindu temple in California's Sacramento, desecrating it with expletive-laden graffiti saying "Hindus go back!", the BAPS Public Affairs said. Following the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, India has taken a strong stand against it and has sought immediate and strict action.

India Registers Strong Protest On Vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple

The Consulate General of India has condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in California. Their post on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) said, “The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at @BAPSShri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California.@cgisfohas taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.”

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Vandalised in California

"Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X.

Wednesday night's incident comes after the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, on September 17.

"Our condemnation of hate remains resolute; our sadness has only deepened; and our prayers for all, including those with hate in their heart, have grown stronger," the organisation said in a statement.

"BAPS is working with law enforcement authorities on this hate crime," the statement said.

"The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento is home to a vibrant Hindu community engaged in numerous activities and projects to support the larger community.  We are and shall remain an integral part of this community’s fabric," the statement added.

The temple community in response to the incident gathered for a prayer ceremony and called for peace and unity, remembering His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s ideal of harmony and respect.

This was the second incident of desecration at a BAPS temple in less than a month in the US amidst the growing trend of temple vandalism as part of a systematic hate crime against the Hindu community in the country.

(Inputs from PTI)