The second incident of a Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in the US has come to the fore within a fortnight. The BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was defaced with offensive graffiti on Wednesday. The graffiti included the phrase “Hindus go back,” according to BAPS Public Affairs.
In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs said, “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.”
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.
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024
The vandalism occurred on Wednesday night, shortly after a similar incident on September 17, where the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was targeted. BAPS said that the temple authorities are collaborating with law enforcement to address the hate crime.
The statement also highlighted the temple’s active role within the community, stating, “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 Consulate General of India in San Francisco also condemned the incident and said it has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.
The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at @BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. @cgisfo has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against…
— India in SF (@CGISFO) September 26, 2024
US Lawmakers Call For Unity Against Hatred
Following the incident, the temple community held a prayer gathering, advocating for peace and unity, and recalling the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, which emphasize harmony and mutual respect. This marks the second act of vandalism against a BAPS temple in the US within a fortnight, reflecting a growing pattern of hate crimes targeting Hindu temples.
Reacting to the vandalism, US House Representative from California Ami Bera said people must must stand united against intolerance and ensure that everyone in the community, regardless of faith, felt safe. “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community,” he posted on X.
Another Indian-Orgin US House representative Ro Khanna also condemned the incident. He said, “This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law.”
Indian-American entrepreneur and author Ajay Jain Bhutoria urged the FBI and the US Department of Justice to take action. He was quoted saying, “There is no place for hate in our communities or our country.” He encouraged temples to enhance security and apply for available grants, stating, “We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace.”
No place for hate in our communities or country. I urge @TheJusticeDept & @FBI to investigate and hold accountable those spreading hate and fear. All Temples must also enhance security and utilize available grants. We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace https://t.co/2HQ30zP8ea
— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) September 25, 2024
The Sacramento Sheriff’s office has said that it is investigating the incident in coordination with the Rancho Cordova Police Department in California. Detectives and CSI visited the crime scene.
@sacsheriff and @RanchoCordovaPD are investigating a vandalism being classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene. pic.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA
— Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024
BAPS, headquartered in Gujarat, operates over 100 temples and centres across North America. Last year, the organisation opened the Akshardham temple in New Jersey, which is now the largest Hindu temple outside of India. Despite being non-political, BAPS has a broad base of support spanning different political ideologies.
(With PTI inputs.)
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