US condemns vandalism of Hindu temple in California, says those responsible will be held accountable

In a post on X, the US Department of State said, “We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

— State_SCA (@State_SCA) December 23, 2023

In images circulating on social media, the word ‘Khalistan’ could be seen spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple along with other objectionable graffiti, news agency PTI reported.

Reacting to the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had stated that extremists and separatists should not be given any space. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I have seen it. Extremists and separatists should not be given any space. Our Consulate there has registered a complaint with the government and the police and an inquiry is underway.”

The Indian Embassy in San Francisco had sought an investigation into the incident.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco strongly condemned the incident in a post on social media platform X. “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the post read.

The Newark police had said that any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority. “Based on the content of the graffiti it is believed that the defacement was a targeted act, and the vandalism is being investigated as a possible hate crime,” the City of Newark Police Department said in an emailed statement to news agency PTI.