BAPS Temple In Chino Hills, CA Vandalized

India-West News Desk

CHINO HILLS, CA – The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir here, was vandalized on March 8. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about rising anti-Hindu sentiment and hate crimes.

BAPS issued a statement after the graffiti was discovered, declaring, “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.”

This attack is the third one on a BAPS temple. Last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized on September 25, just days after another BAPS temple in New York was targeted.

This is a breaking story, with authorities yet to release further details on the investigation into the Chino Hills incident.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America detailed a troubling pattern of temple vandalism in recent years. According to CoHNA, incidents include:

• August 3 & August 16, 2022: Shri Tulsi Mandir, Queens, New York
• October 30, 2023: Hari Om Radha Krishna Mandir, Sacramento, California
• December 23, 2023: SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Newark, California
• January 1, 2024: Shiv Durga Temple, Santa Clara, California
• January 5, 2024: Shree Ashta Lakshmi Temple, Fremont, California
• January 5, 2024: Vijay’s Sherawali Temple, Hayward, California
• January 11, 2024: Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple, Dublin, California

CoHNA linked the Chino Hills vandalism to political and separatist matters stating, “Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close.” The organization also emphasized broader concerns about rising anti-Hindu hate, asserting, “This latest attack is continuing proof of the rising level of anti-Hindu hate. We have all seen the rise of online hate in past few years and as researchers had warned, online hate usually leads to real-life violence against the targeted communities.”

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also condemned the attack, sharing images of the vandalism and calling for a thorough investigation. The organization has urged law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators and ensure that places of worship remain safe for all communities.