A Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized over the weekend, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple, which welcomes visitors daily, was found with graffiti containing political messages. The tags included phrases such as “F— Modi, Hindustan, and Moradabad,” referencing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other related terms.
The vandalism occurred on Saturday, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office responded shortly after 9 a.m. They quickly notified Chino Hills Code Enforcement to address the issue. The graffiti was found on the temple’s marble sign, a brick wall, and even on the city sidewalk. By Sunday, temple volunteers had successfully removed all the graffiti.
Mehul Patel, a volunteer at the temple, expressed the community’s resilience in the face of such hate. BAPS Public Affairs released a statement asserting that the Hindu community would not allow hate to take root. Many members of the community took to social media to voice their concerns, highlighting a pattern of vandalism against Hindu temples in California and beyond.
The incident comes as tensions rise around a planned “Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles, which aims to create an independent Sikh nation in India’s Punjab state. The Coalition of Hindus of North America noted that such acts of vandalism are becoming more frequent, despite claims that anti-Hindu sentiment does not exist.
Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett attended a prayer event at the temple, calling the graffiti “hateful” and expressing his support for the Hindu community. He assured attendees that the police department would work to identify and charge those responsible for the vandalism.
Authorities have not yet classified the incident as a hate crime, and no suspects have been identified. However, surveillance footage captured two individuals scouting the area before committing the act. Patel mentioned that this is not the first instance of vandalism at BAPS temples, with a recent attack occurring at another temple in Sacramento.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the vandalism, urging local law enforcement to take strong action against the culprits and ensure the safety of places of worship. The temple, established in 2004, is a significant cultural and spiritual center for the Hindu community in the region.
In response to the vandalism, temple members held a prayer service on Sunday, calling for peace and unity. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for justice and stands firm against hate.