Hindu Temple in Chino Hills Targeted with Anti-India Graffiti

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of Southern California’s largest Hindu temples, was desecrated on Sunday with anti-India messages, becoming the latest target of hate against the Hindu community in the United States. The temple, located in Chino Hills, California, was defaced in a troubling display of hostility.

BAPS Public Affairs condemned the attack, emphasizing the resilience of the Hindu community against such acts of hate. "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," the organization shared in an X post.

They also stressed that faith and shared humanity would ultimately triumph over hatred. "Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," BAPS Public Affairs added. The Chino Hills Police Department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

This latest act of vandalism follows a string of similar incidents. In September of last year, another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was also defaced with hateful messages, including the words “Hindus go back.” The Sacramento Police are investigating the act of vandalism as a potential hate crime, noting that the suspect had also caused damage to the temple’s water lines.

Before the Sacramento incident, a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was similarly defaced with hateful messages. The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable,” and brought the issue to the attention of US authorities.