Hindu Temple in Sacramento Vandalized with Anti-Hindu Graffiti

New York, United States of America (USA): A week after the desecration of the BAPS temple in New York, another Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was defaced with graffiti, including the message “Hindus Go Back,” raising concerns among the local Hindu community. Vandals also cut water lines on the temple’s property.

BAPS Public Affairs condemned the act, stating, “We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.” Local authorities, including the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating the incident.

Several leaders denounced the vandalism. Ami Bera, a US House Representative for Sacramento County, stated, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred,” calling for unity against intolerance. Indian-American lawmakers Rohit Khanna and Shri Thanedar also expressed outrage, demanding immediate action from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hold those responsible accountable.

The Hindu American Foundation thanked Bera for addressing the hate crime, emphasizing that it targets Hindu Americans with messages conflating them with the Indian government. The community continues to call for stronger action to prevent such acts of intolerance and religious bigotry.