New Delhi: In the second such incident in the US in the past 10 days, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was on Wednesday desecrated with “Hindus go back” message.
Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024
“We stand united against hate with prayers for peace,” the organisation said in a post on X.
The Sacramento Police said that they were investigating “vandalism being classified as a hate crime” at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Police further stated that the accused also cut water lines at the property.
Meanwhile, members of the Hindu community gathered at the temple following the incident for a prayer ceremony to promote “harmony,” India Today reported.
“Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate,” the organisation said while posting pictures on X.
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera reacted to the incident and called upon people to stand against intolerance.
“There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected,” the Sacramento County representative said on X.