The recent vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple in Sacramento, California, has drawn strong condemnation from Indian officials, community leaders, and lawmakers. The incident, which occurred on September 24th, saw the temple desecrated with anti-Hindu graffiti and the cutting of water lines.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco swiftly denounced the act, vowing to work with local authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. BAPS Public Affairs, in a statement on X, condemned the hate crime, noting that it follows a similar incident at a BAPS temple in New York just 10 days earlier.
Radharaman Das, Vice President of the Kolkata International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), expressed deep concern about the rising number of attacks on Hindu temples globally, including in the United States. He underscored the importance of religious freedom in a country like America and called for strong action against those responsible.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the vandalism and Ami Bera, US Representative for California’s 6th District, has condemned the act, stating that there is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in the county. The Hindu American Foundation has also voiced its outrage, labeling the incident as an anti-Hindu hate crime.
This latest incident highlights a disturbing trend of hate crimes targeting Hindu places of worship. In July, a BAPS temple in Edmonton, Canada, was also vandalized. The community stands united against hate, with prayers for peace and a call for justice to be served. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for tolerance and respect for all religions.
