A Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized over the weekend, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple was tagged with graffiti that included political messages, which referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other sensitive topics.
The vandalism took place on Saturday, and templegoers discovered the graffiti early in the morning. The messages included phrases that expressed strong political sentiments. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office has since launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the act.
Deputies responded to the scene around 9:13 a.m. and alerted Chino Hills Code Enforcement for assistance in addressing the damage. By Sunday, volunteers from the temple had successfully removed the graffiti from the temple’s marble sign, a brick wall, and the city sidewalk.
Mehul Patel, a volunteer at the temple, expressed the community’s resilience in the face of such acts of hate. The BAPS Public Affairs team shared a message of unity and strength, stating that the Hindu community would not let hate take root. They also highlighted the recent trend of vandalism against Hindu temples across California, noting that this incident is part of a larger pattern.
Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett attended a prayer event at the temple on Sunday, calling the graffiti “hateful.” He assured the community that the police are actively working to find the culprits. Bennett emphasized the importance of the temple as a place of beauty and cultural significance in the area.
The incident has raised concerns within the Hindu community, especially as it coincides with discussions around a “Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles. This nonbinding vote seeks to create an independent Sikh nation in India, which has led to heightened tensions in the community.
Authorities have not yet classified the vandalism as a hate crime. However, local leaders and community members are calling for increased security measures for places of worship. The Ministry of External Affairs in India condemned the vandalism, urging local law enforcement to take strong action against the perpetrators.
As the investigation continues, the temple community remains focused on healing and promoting peace. Members held a prayer service on Sunday afternoon, calling for unity and strength in the face of adversity.