BAPS Mandir in Sacramento vandalised with anti-Hindu messages

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 had expressed their commitment to standing united against hate.

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.

Responding to the vandalism, Ami Bera, representing CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives condemned the incidence 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 US lawmakers also condemned the desecration of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York's demanded accountability from the authorities.

Congressmen also raised concerns about repeated incidents of hate and violence in the country.

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar strongly condemned the "hideous act" and stressed that such acts of "vandalism, bigotry, and hate" must be fully investigated.

(ANI)