New vandalism at BAPS temple in US sparks outrage

The second incident involving a Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in the U.S. has come to light in two weeks. The BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was defaced with offensive graffiti on Wednesday. The graffiti included the phrase “Hindus go back,” BAPS Public Affairs said.

In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs said: “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, back off!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.”

Less than 10 days after the sacrilege 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.

— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024

The vandalism occurred on Wednesday night, shortly after a similar incident on Sept. 17, in which the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was targeted. BAPS said temple authorities are working with law enforcement to address the hate crime.

The statement also emphasized the temple’s active role within the community, stating: “The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento is home to a vibrant Hindu community that is involved in numerous activities and projects to support the larger community. We are and will continue to be an integral part of the fabric of this community.”

US lawmakers call for unity against hate

Following the incident, the temple community held a prayer meeting, advocating peace and unity and commemorating the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, which emphasize harmony and mutual respect. This is the second time in two weeks that a BAPS temple has been vandalized in the U.S., reflecting a growing pattern of hate crimes against Hindu temples.

Responding to the vandalism, California U.S. House Representative Ami Bera said people must stand united against intolerance and ensure that everyone in the community, regardless of faith, feels safe. “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community,” he posted on X.

Another Indian-origin US House Representative Ro Khanna also condemned the incident. He said, “This kind of hatred against Hindu Americans and vandalism is abhorrent and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes and those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law.”

Indian-American entrepreneur and author Ajay Jain Bhutoria urged the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice to take action. He was quoted as saying, “There is no place for hate in our communities or our country.” He encouraged temples to improve security and apply for available grants, saying, “We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace.”

No place for hate in our communities or our country. I urge @TheJusticeDept & @FBI to investigate and hold accountable those who spread hate and fear. All temples must also improve security and use available funding. We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace https://t.co/2HQ30zP8ea

— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) September 25, 2024

The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office said it was investigating the incident in conjunction with the Rancho Cordova Police Department in California. Detectives and CSIs visited the scene.

@sacsheriff And @RanchoCordovaPD are investigating a vandalism classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene. photo.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA

—Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024

BAPS, headquartered in Gujarat, operates more than 100 temples and centers in North America. Last year, the organization opened the Akshardham Temple in New Jersey, which is now the largest Hindu temple outside India. Although BAPS is nonpolitical, it has a broad base of support that spans various political ideologies.

(With PTI inputs.)