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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, calling it a “despicable act” and urging law enforcement authorities to take strict action against those responsible.
The temple, one of the largest Hindu places of worship in Southern California, was defaced with anti-India graffiti on Sunday, marking yet another hate incident targeting Hindu communities in the US in recent months.
“We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms,” the MEA said in an official statement.
The ministry also called for adequate security measures at places of worship to prevent such incidents in the future.
Temple Authorities and Advocacy Groups Condemn the Attack
The BAPS Public Affairs wing condemned the attack, stating that the Hindu community will not let hate take root.
"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," the organization said on X (formerly Twitter).
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group working for Hindu rights in the US, also strongly denounced the vandalism, pointing out that Hindu hate crimes are often ignored.
“Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination," CoHNA wrote.
The group also linked the attack to growing tensions ahead of a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ event scheduled in Los Angeles.
Rising Hate Incidents Against Hindus in the US
This is not the first time a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir has been targeted in the US.
- In September 2023, the BAPS temple in Sacramento, California was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages, including “Hindus go back” written on the temple sign.
- The Sacramento Police Department is investigating the case as a potential hate crime, noting that the suspect also damaged the temple’s water lines.
- Just 10 days before the Sacramento attack, another BAPS temple in Melville, New York, was defaced with hateful messages. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the incident and raised concerns with US authorities.
Despite the pattern of increasing attacks on Hindu places of worship, the Chino Hills Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest incident.
With growing concerns over Hinduphobia and hate crimes, Hindu advocacy groups continue to urge stronger action from US authorities to protect places of worship and ensure the safety of the community.
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