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BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, vandalized
Diaspora organizations noted these attacks in the U.S. reflect a growing pattern of religious intolerance.
Vandalized wall of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, CA / X/@CoHNAOfficial
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a prominent Hindu temple located in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized on Mar. 8 with derogatory anti-India messages, according to a BAPS communique.
The walls of the Mandir were spray-painted with the condemnable political graffiti.
BAPS Public Affairs shared the news on X, condemning the act as another display of hate against the Hindu community. They affirmed that the community will stand strong and not let hate take root.
On Mar. 8, it wrote, “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.”
In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand 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…
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) March 8, 2025
In a response to the vandalism incident at the BAPS temple, Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, India, said, "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 Indian government has also requested immediate action, "We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship."
Our response to media queries regarding vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California:
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 9, 2025
https://t.co/8H25kCdwhY pic.twitter.com/H59bYxq7qZ
Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA ) condemned the incident in an X post, “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.”
The Mar. 8 incident is the latest in a series of temple vandalism cases in the U.S. in recent months. Last September, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was also vandalized, with hate messages written on its sign.
Also read: CoHNA and Edina Police organize town hall to address Hinduphobia
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 (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) March 9, 2025
Not surprising this happens as… https://t.co/SXNmyRuTiT pic.twitter.com/V4P77wUKAV
The Sacramento Police investigated it as a possible hate crime. They also reported that the suspect damaged the temple’s water lines.
About 10 days before this, another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hateful messages. Shedding light on the incident, the Consulate General of India in New York condemned the act as "unacceptable" and raised the issue with U.S. authorities.
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