BAPS Mandir in U.S.’ Sacramento vandalised with anti-Hindu messages

The messages included phrases such as "Hindus go back"

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the Sacramento area of California was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25, less than 10 days after a similar act of vandalism took place at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

The messages included phrases such as "Hindus go back," prompting concerns among the local Hindu community and in response, the community expressed their commitment to standing united against hate.

"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.

In response to the vandalism, a peace prayer ceremony was organised, which was attended by was attended by California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen, Mayor of Elk Grove Bobbie Singh-Allen, Vice Mayor for City of Rancho Cordova Siri Pulipati, Police Chief for City of Rancho Cordova Matthew Tamayo, Public Information Officer for Sacramento County Sheriff’s office Amar Gandhi, Assistant City Manager for City of Rancho Cordova David Kwong, Community Prosecutor from Office of District Attorney Sacramento Rochelle Beardsley, according to their website.

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, sheriff deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, where the graffiti was discovered. Deputies also said that vandals had also cut water lines at the property.

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 BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said on their website.

Responding to the vandalism, Ami Bera, representing CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives posted on X, "There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.

"Hindu American Foundation, promoting human dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism thanked Beri for raising the issue of hate crime targeting a Hindu temple. "Thank you @RepBera. This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to 'go home'," posted Hindu American Foundation on X.

Prior to this, a similar incident of vandalism took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York on September 17, 2024. The Consulate General of India in New York had also condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, labelling it "unacceptable." Several U.S. lawmakers also condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York's demanded accountability from the authorities.

(With inputs from ANI)

Published - September 26, 2024 09:49 am IST