Hate message graffiti defaces Sacramento BAPS Hindu Temple in second vandalism incident in under two weeks

Unknown miscreants have vandalised the BAPS Hindu temple in California’s Sacramento, desecrating it with expletive-laden graffiti saying “Hindus go back!”, the BAPS Public Affairs said.

“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,” the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X.

Wednesday night’s incident comes after the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, on September 17.

“Our condemnation of hate remains resolute; our sadness has only deepened; and our prayers for all, including those with hate in their heart, have grown stronger,” the organisation said in a statement.

“BAPS is working with law enforcement authorities on this hate crime,” the statement said.

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

“The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento is home to a vibrant Hindu community engaged in numerous activities and projects to support the larger community. We are and shall remain an integral part of this community’s fabric,” the statement added.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has called the defacing a hate crime, while urging people to come forward if they had any information about the incident.

“At approximately 9 AM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Officers from the Rancho Cordova Police Department and Deputies from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple, to the report of graffiti and property damage. Officers and Deputies arrived on scene and observed graffiti on the temple’s marquee signage and paved driveway on the temple property, with hateful messaging directed at Hindus. They also discovered water pipes near the building had been intentionally cut and severely damaged,” a tweet from the Sheriff’s Office read.

ALSO READ: India calls vandalisation of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York City as ‘unacceptable’

“Based on their investigation, the incident was classified as a hate crime. Detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit, which investigates hate crimes in Sacramento County, responded to the scene and began their investigation. Allied State and Federal law enforcement agencies were also notified of the incident and will assist with the investigation. Detectives learned the vandalism was committed overnight, and a video of the incident was posted online on social media. The investigation is in its early stages, and no suspect(s) have been identified.

“If you have information about this incident, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips leading to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000, and tipsters remain anonymous. Tips are paid in cash, and you are never asked for identification. Contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357), 1-800-AA-CRIME, or **TIPS. Use the “P3 TIPS” app or online at http://sacvalleycrimestoppers.com. Tip information may also be left anonymously at http://sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477),” it added.

Amerish Babulal, popularly known as Ami Bera, an American physician and politician serving as a member of the US House of Representatives from California, said on X: “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community.”

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. https://t.co/TRX3Q7XJ6t

— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) September 25, 2024

“All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected,” Bera said in a post on X.

Congressman Ro Khanna tweeted: “This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law.”

Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Jain Bhutoria, urging the FBI to investigate and hold accountable those spreading hate and fear, said: “No place for hate in our communities or country.”

“All Temples must also enhance security and utilise available grants. We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace,” he said on X.

ALSO READ: Hindu temple in Canada defaced with anti-India graffiti

Headquartered in Gujarat, BAPS has more than 100 temples and centres in North America.

Last year, it opened the Akshardham temple in New Jersey, the largest Hindu temple outside India.