California

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has urged local authorities to address the vandalism that occurred at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on September 24. The Consulate reported that they are working with officials to ensure a prompt response to the incident, which has raised concerns about attacks on Hindu temples in the U.S. This marks the second incident in ten days.

The Sacramento temple was vandalized with anti-Hindu slogans, including messages telling Hindus to “go back.” The local Hindu community has expressed alarm over this act. BAPS Public Affairs issued a statement standing against hate and calling for prayers for peace. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies found graffiti and discovered that vandals had cut water lines at the temple.

U.S. Representative Ami Bera condemned the vandalism, stating that religious intolerance has no place in the community. He emphasized the importance of respect and safety for all individuals, regardless of their faith. The Hindu American Foundation also condemned the messages linking Hindus to the Indian government. A similar vandalism incident occurred at a BAPS temple in New York on September 17.