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‘Despicable’: India condemns vandalism at a California Hindu temple, calls for stringent action
A BAPS Hindu Temple located in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated with hate messages, days ahead of a so-called Khalistani referendum in Los Angeles.
3 min read
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir situated in Chino Hills, US. (Photo: baps.org)India has strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California in the US days ahead of a so-called “Khalistani referendum” in LA, calling it “despicable” and urged the local authorities to take stringent action against those responsible.
In response to media queries regarding the incident, Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.”
BAPS said that its Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills city of San Bernardino County faced desecration. The official X handle of BAPS for the United States said it will “never let hate take root”.
In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs wrote, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”
Our response to media queries regarding vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California:
🔗 https://t.co/8H25kCdwhY pic.twitter.com/H59bYxq7qZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 9, 2025
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), shared details of the incident, also listing out several other cases of vandalism of Hindu temples in recent times and seeking an investigation.
“Another Hindu Temple vandalised – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA… Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called Khalistan referendum in LA draws close,” it wrote on X.
The Congress also condemned the incident, saying such acts of hatred and intolerance were utterly unacceptable. “The Indian National Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms, the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California,” Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said in a post on X.
“Such acts of hatred and intolerance are utterly unacceptable and have no place in any civilized society,” he said and demanded action against the desecrators.
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In September last year, the BAPS Hindu temple in California’s Sacramento was desecrated with graffiti. Nearly 10 days before the Sacramento incident, a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hate messages, drawing strong condemnation from the Consulate General of India in New York. —With PTI inputs
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