‘Despicable acts’: India condemns vandalism at temple in California

India on Sunday strongly condemned an incident of vandalism at a Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in California’s Chino Hills and demanded “stringent action” against those involved.

The BAPS Hindu temple was vandalised with inflammatory messages just days before the scheduled ‘Khalistan referendum’ event in Los Angeles. The desecration came nearly five months after another BAPS temple in Sacramento was vandalised in September last year.

In view of the incident, the Centre also called for adequate security to the places of worship.

"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," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

The official US page of BAPS shared details of the incident on social media platform X, reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity.

“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,” BAPS Public Affairs posted on X.

This is not the first instance of temple vandalism in the region. Last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was defaced on September 25, less than 10 days after a similar attack on the BAPS temple in New York. The desecration included messages such as “Hindus go back,” alarming the local Hindu community.