On March 9, 2025, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southern California, was vandalized with anti-India messages. This incident marks another hate crime against the Hindu community in the United States.
The vandalism took place at the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Chino Hills, California. The temple was vandalized with anti-India graffiti, including messages such as “India Go Home” and “F*** India.” The vandalism was discovered by temple staff on Sunday morning.
The Hindu community in Southern California has criticized the attack and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has also released a statement criticizing the vandalism and calling for increased security at Hindu temples across the United States.
The Chino Hills Police Department is investigating the incident as a hate crime. The FBI has also been notified of the incident. This is not the first time that a Hindu temple in California has been vandalized. In September 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was vandalized with anti-India messages. In October 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New York was also vandalized with anti-India messages.
The act of vandalism comes just days before a scheduled ‘Khalistan referendum’ event in Los Angeles, raising concerns about rising religious tensions. The desecration has sparked widespread outrage among Hindu organizations, with many calling for immediate action from authorities.
Tiyasa is an enthusiastic journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and stating them in a compelling story. Whether it's chasing a breaking news story or crafting a deeply researched feature, she believes in the power of words to inform, entertain, and inspire. Apart from writing, she has a passion for learning different languages. When not chasing the deadlines, you can find her engrossed in either books or drama or listening to music, maybe even brainstorming for her next article over a cup of coffee.
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