NEW DELHI, Sep 27 : The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California’s Sacramento, sprayed with anti-Hindu graffiti.
The incident, on September 24 night, took place 10 days after a New York based BAPS temple was defaced.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has taken up the matter with the local authorities.
In a post on X, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco said: “The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. @cgisfo has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.”
According to CBS News, a hate crime investigation is underway at the Hindu temple in the Sacramento area after the grounds were hit with graffiti and vandalism.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, after graffiti was discovered (Sep 24 night).
Deputies say hateful messages were written on the temple’s marquee and paved driveway. The messages were anti-Hindu, deputies say, prompting the hate crime investigation. The messages also appear to be critical of PM Narendra Modi.
Water pipes near the building were also found to have been intentionally cut, deputies said.
BAPS Organiser said in a post on X: “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.”
Members of the Hindu community in Sacramento gathered at the temple following the incident for a prayer ceremony to promote “harmony”.
“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,” the organisation said while posting pictures on X.
US Congressman Jimmy Panetta, who represents California’s new 19th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, said in a post on X:
“We’re seeing a rise in anti-Hindu discrimination and hate, which has now reached California. Our community stands up for our neighbors and against intolerance. We need to take this vandalism seriously and make clear that acts of hate will not be tolerated in this country.”
(UNI)
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