Hindu temple in California defaced with pro-Khalistani graffiti

This act is part of a disturbing trend, with temples in Canada, the US, and Australia experiencing similar acts of vandalism

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

The Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, a Hindu temple located in Newark, California, has fallen victim to an act of vandalism, sparking widespread outrage within the Indian diaspora. The desecration involved anti-India graffiti and contentious slogans, drawing swift condemnation from the Indian consulate in San Francisco, which has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, according to newsbytesapp.com.

Pro-Khalistani graffiti adorned the walls of the Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was labeled as “a terrorist,” accompanied by a reference to “Shaheed (martyr) Bhindranwale.” This act is part of a disturbing trend, with temples in Canada, the US, and Australia experiencing similar acts of vandalism, allegedly carried out by Khalistani supporters. Earlier, Canadian MP Chandra Arya addressed the issue of escalating anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiments following an attack on a temple in Brampton. In January 2023, three temples in Australia were also subjected to vandalism.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern about the incident, stating, “Extremists and separatist forces outside India should not get space.” The Indian consulate in San Francisco has already taken the matter up with US authorities, initiating an inquiry. Jaishankar added, “Our consulate there complained to the government and the police, and an inquiry is underway.”

The Hindu American Foundation, which brought attention to the incident online, has labeled it a potential “hate crime” and called for a thorough investigation. Images depicting slogans against India and Prime Minister Modi on the temple walls were shared by the foundation, which has already informed the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division about the incident.

In response to the defacement, the Indian consulate in San Francisco issued a strong condemnation, stating, “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for a quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter.”

The Newark Police Department, deeming the attack a targeted act, has assured the public of a comprehensive investigation. Captain Jonathan Arguello of the Newark Police Department expressed deep sadness over such acts, describing them as senseless and intolerable within the community.

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