On the night of September 25, California’s BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages written on the walls. This unsettling act of vandalism follows closely on the heels of a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York, less than ten days ago.

Among the disturbing messages, threatening phrases like “Hindus go back,” were written on the temple walls. The statements have generated a sign of concern and anxiety within the Hindu community in the area. In the light of intolerance, community leaders have pledged to unite against the hate, highlighting their commitment to fostering peace and unifying the residents.

“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 in X.

Following the incident, prayers took place to maintain the peace. Local leaders including California State Assembly Member Stephaine Nguyen, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Siri Pulipati, and Police Chief Matthew Tamayo, among others were there, showing support and respect towards the community.

Ami Bera, representative of Sacramento County in the US House retorted about the incident, urging locals to fight against the intolerance. He took to his X handle and posted, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.”

Investigations Underway

As per the reports by CBS, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office addressed allegations of vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather. Vandals targeted water lines and left graffiti around the building. To identify the suspect, the sheriff’s office is actively investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation wrote to the Senate Judiciary Committee, addressing the concern. This correspondence outlines the “history and alarming rise of anti-Hindu hate.” This specifically targets Hindu places of worship, citing recent data from both the FBI and the State of California.

The Vandalization of BAPS New York

Days before PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, on September 17, vandalism at a Hindu temple in New York took place. More than two dozen prominent American lawmakers expressed their displeasure.

There were offensive graffiti, outside the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York. Brad Sherman, Congressman denounced the incident, calling it a “vile act of hate” and “an unjust attack” at the Hindy community and the value of religious pluralism.

Showing strong support for Hindus residing in America, he said that the vandals should face the full wrath of the law.

This wasn’t the first time something like this happened. In July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Canada also saw the same situation. These constant incidents demand serious attention, raising safety concerns and respect for religious places.