BAPS Hindu temple vandalised in California with anti-India graffiti

Chino Hills, California: A BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills was vandalized with inflammatory messages just days before a planned ‘Khalistani referendum’ event in Los Angeles.

The official BAPS Public Affairs page for the United States shared details of the incident on social media platform X, emphasizing the community’s resilience against hate.

"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 wrote on X.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also addressed the incident, linking it to a pattern of temple desecrations in recent years.

"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. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close," CoHNA posted on X.

The organization also highlighted similar acts of vandalism targeting Hindu temples since 2022 and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

CoHNA is a grassroots-level advocacy organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America and matters impacting the Hindu community.

Cases of temple vandalism took place last year too as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalised on the night of September 25. This incident occured less than 10 days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

The 'anti-Hindu' messages included phrases such as 'Hindus go back,' alarming the local Hindu community. In response, the community expressed its commitment to standing united against. (ANI)