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Hindu temple defaced in California with pro-Khalistani slogans
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took note of the incident.
Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans / Image: X/@HinduAmerican
A Hindu temple in Newark City, California, United States, was defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) shared pictures on X, showcasing the slogans scribbled on the walls of Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha.
#Breaking: Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-#Khalistan slogans.@NewarkCA_Police and @CivilRights have been informed and full investigation will follow.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 22, 2023
We are insisting that this should be investigated as a hate crime. pic.twitter.com/QHeEVWrkDj
The Foundation has insisted that the incident be investigated as a hate crime. HAF also tagged the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in the social media post. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has also condemned the defacing and said it has pressed the US authorities for an investigation and prompt action against the miscreants.
"We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter," the Indian Consulate in San Francisco wrote on X. Such incidents have been reported earlier.
We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in…
— India in SF (@CGISFO) December 23, 2023
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took note of the incident. "Extremists, separatists and such forces should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway," he was quoted saying in a report by India Today.
As per the temple administration, the incident took place on Thursday night, December 21, 2023.
Investigating the case, Jonathan Arguello, of the Newark Police Department, said, "Based on the graffiti, we believe it was a targeted act, and it's going to be investigated with full thoroughness. We are deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they are senseless and they have no room."
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