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VHPA condemns BAPS Mandir vandalism
Authorities have yet to provide details on the investigation into the vandalism at the BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills, California.
Vandalized wall of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, CA / Image - VHPA
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has strongly condemned the recent vandalism and desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, calling it part of an alarming trend of attacks on Hindu places of worship in the United States.
In a statement, VHPA president Tejal Shah decried the act as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing that BAPS Mandirs serve as centers of peace, devotion, and community service. “When a Mandir is attacked, it is an attack on our Shraddha (faith), and that is unacceptable under any circumstances. We urge California and federal law enforcement to investigate this heinous act and take firm action in accordance with our Constitution,” Shah said.
Also read: BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, vandalized
Vallabha Tantry, convener of VHPA's Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), echoed similar concerns, calling the attack “incomprehensible” and stressing the need for a thorough investigation. “HMEC strongly condemns this reprehensible act and requests authorities to investigate and take appropriate next steps. HMEC stands by our BAPS community members in this hour of anguish,” Tantry said.
Jai Bansal, VHPA’s vice president of education, highlighted the contributions of Hindu Americans in various fields and lamented the increasing hostility toward the community. “We have enriched this country in every field, from science and technology to business, healthcare, and academia. It is therefore doubly painful to see such attacks on our cultural and religious symbols, which not only harm our community but also undermine the core values of tolerance and pluralism that America stands for,” Bansal said.
The incident follows a pattern of hate crimes targeting Hindu religious institutions. VHPA urged the U.S. government to uphold its commitment to religious freedom and ensure the safety of worshippers. “Hindu Americans, like all citizens, deserve the full protection of law enforcement against such acts of bigotry and intolerance,” the statement read.
The organization called on law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible, warning that unchecked attacks threaten America’s values of pluralism and tolerance.
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