Hindus, Modi, Jaishankar Go Back: Another BAPS temple vandalized in California | WATCH

Sacramento: In a disturbing trend of religious intolerance, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was defaced with anti-Hindu graffiti on Thursday night. The incident, which comes just a week after another BAPS temple was vandalized in New York, has been classified as a hate crime by local authorities.

Temple vandalized with hate messages

The temple’s management took to social media to inform the public about the vandalism. According to a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the walls of the temple were defaced with hateful messages such as "Hindus go back."

“Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in Sacramento, CA, was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: ‘Hindus go back!’ We stand united against hate with prayers for peace,” read a post from the BAPS Public Affairs.

Breaking | @sacsheriff 's office announced that it will investigate & prosecute the @BAPS_PubAffairs Sacramento Hindu temple attack as a hate crime.

California Regional Director @Sangi_shankar21 visited the BAPS Hindu temple earlier today and met with the mandir's, law… pic.twitter.com/8FaLyMegXM

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 26, 2024

2 Hindu temples attacked in the past 2 weeks.
This time again it is the @BAPS temple in #Sacramento.
Hindu places of worship are being attacked all across the US. Why are these attacks not being classified as hate-crimes?

pic.twitter.com/ylZysV9H3M

— HinduACTion (@HinduACT) September 25, 2024

Sheriff’s office launches investigation

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to the incident at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova. In addition to the offensive graffiti, vandals had also cut the temple's water lines. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident, treating it as a hate crime.

Local leaders condemn the attack

Ami Bera, U.S. Representative for California's 6th district, which includes Sacramento County, issued a strong condemnation of the attack. In a post on X, he stated, “Religious bigotry and hatred have no place in Sacramento County.” Bera further emphasized the need for communities to unite against intolerance, ensuring that people of all faiths feel safe and respected.

Indian American community leaders have also voiced their concerns, urging federal authorities, including the FBI, to get involved in the investigation to prevent further incidents of hate-fueled violence.

Second temple vandalism in less than a month

This defacement in Sacramento follows a similar act of vandalism at a BAPS temple in New York on September 17. The Consulate General of India condemned the New York incident, labeling it "unacceptable." U.S. lawmakers, including Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, also expressed outrage, calling for swift accountability and a thorough investigation into these acts of religious intolerance.

Thanedar described the defacement as a "heinous act" and stressed that incidents of "vandalism, bigotry, and hate" must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

Rising concerns among the Indian-American community

With two incidents of temple vandalism occurring within such a short time frame, the Indian-American community is growing increasingly concerned. Community leaders have called for greater vigilance and stronger protections for religious institutions. The recurring acts of hate have prompted both local and federal authorities to take action, as the community continues to advocate for tolerance and unity.