USA News: Anti-India and Pro-Khalistan Graffiti Targets California Swami Narayan Temple

California, USA: In a distressing incident, a Hindu temple in California, United States, has fallen victim to vandalism, where anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti were discovered on its exterior walls. The Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark city was targeted, prompting authorities to pledge a thorough investigation into the matter.

The walls of the temple were adorned with anti-India slogans, specifically targeting the Prime Minister, alongside pro-Khalistan messages. The Hindu American Foundation brought attention to the incident on X (formerly Twitter), sharing images that depicted the hateful graffiti.

Expressing concern, the foundation emphasized that references to the late Khalistan terrorist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, known for targeting Hindus, were intended to “specifically traumatize” devotees and foster an atmosphere of violence.

The Indian consulate in San Francisco responded to the incident with shock, urging swift action in the investigation to address the matter promptly. The act of vandalizing a place of worship underscores the need for communal harmony and respect for diverse faiths.

#Breaking: Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-#Khalistan slogans.@NewarkCA_Police and @CivilRights have been informed and full investigation will follow.

We are insisting that this should be investigated as a hate crime. pic.twitter.com/QHeEVWrkDj

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 22, 2023