'Hindus go back...': Sacramento temple vandalized with anti-Hindu messages
What's the story
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday, reports said. This incident follows a similar act of vandalism at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York less than 10 days ago. The graffiti included threatening words such as "Hindus go back," causing significant distress within the local Hindu community.
Solidarity
Community leaders unite
In response to the incident, community leaders have expressed their commitment to stand together against such hate. "Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: 'Hindus go back!' We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," said an official post from BAPS.
Investigation
Hate crime investigation underway
The incident is currently under a "hate crime" investigation by officials. Meanwhile, US House of Representatives member Ami Bera, who represents CA06 and Sacramento County, condemned the act on X. "There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community...," Bera wrote.