Police Investigate As Hate Messages Are Spray Painted On Another BAPS Temple

India-West News Desk

SACRAMENTO, CA – Authorities and community leaders have strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Mather, near here, where anti-Hindu, anti-Modi graffiti was discovered on the night of September 25.
This incident comes just days after a similar act of vandalism at a BAPS Mandir in New York. Messages such as “Hindus go back”, “Modi=Hitler”, “Modi-Dr Jaishankar are terrorists”, “Modi Hindu Go Back”, and “F$%k Modi” were found spray-painted on the temple walls, and vandals also cut water lines on the property, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.
Congressman Ami Bera, who represents the region, denounced the attack, stating, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. We must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.”
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco also condemned the act and urged authorities to take swift action.

The Hindu American Foundation echoed this sentiment, labeling the incident as an anti-Hindu hate crime and pointing out that the messages appeared to conflate Hindus with the Indian government.
Local law enforcement has launched a hate crime investigation, with BAPS collaborating to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
BAPS Public Affairs expressed deep concern over the rise in anti-Hindu incidents, stating, “We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.” The organization highlighted the temple’s role as a vital part of the local community and vowed to continue their community work despite the vandalism.
Despite the damage, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir reaffirmed its commitment to remaining an integral part of the local fabric, continuing its efforts to serve the community while advocating for peace and unity in the face of hate and held a prayer meet with several elected officials in the area attending.