After New York, a temple is California is defaced with anti-Hindu messages

In response to the vandalism, Hindu community leaders gathered at the temple for a prayer ceremony promoting "peace and unity." (Image: @BAPS_PubAffairs - X)

A temple California was vandalised on September 25 with anti-Hindu graffiti , the second such incident in the US in as many weeks.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was defaced with the message "Hindus go back!" and water lines to the property were cut, the temple body 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 go back! We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.
BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024

"We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," BAPS Public Affairs said on the X platform, formerly Twitter. 

Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the @BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate. pic.twitter.com/LVBUAkCBnh BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 26, 2024

Sacramento Police are treating the incident as a hate crime and are investigating the vandalism.

@sacsheriff and @RanchoCordovaPD are investigating a vandalism being classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene. pic.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024

Hindu community leaders gathered at the temple for a prayer ceremony promoting "peace and unity".

On September 16, another BAPS temple in Melville, New York, was also targetted with expletive-laden messages. The Consulate General of India in New York had described the incident as "unacceptable" and a "heinous act".

Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera condemned the defacing of the Sacramento temple, saying there was "no place for religious bigotry and hatred" in the community and everyone should stand against intolerance to ensure safety for all, regardless of their faith.

There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected. https://t.co/TRX3Q7XJ6t Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) September 25, 2024

Fellow Congressman Ro Khanna described the incident as "appalling and morally wrong", urging the Department of Justice to investigate the hate crimes and hold those responsible accountable under the law.