India has issued a stern condemnation of the vandalism incident that unfolded on Sunday (9th March) at the famous BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California’s Chino Hills. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed the incident as a ‘despicable act’ and urged the US authorities to take ‘stringent action’ against those involved in this vandalism incident.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms.”
In light of this vandalism incident, the Ministry also called for proper security measures at places of worship.
The MEA Spokesperson added, “We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.”
Our response to media queries regarding vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California:
🔗 https://t.co/8H25kCdwhY pic.twitter.com/H59bYxq7qZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 9, 2025
BAPS Mandir vandalised, defaced with anti-India graffiti in California
On Sunday, the famous BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located in Chino Hills, California, was vandalised and desecrated with anti-India graffiti. The vandalism incident comes days ahead of a so-called ‘Khalistani referendum’ in Los Angeles.
Taking to X, the official page of BAPS Mandir for the United States shared the details of the incident. In its post, the BAPS Mandir stated that it was another show of hate against the Hindu community adding that the community will ‘never let hate take root’ and that peace and compassion shall prevail.
BAPS Public Affairs wrote, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand 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.”
In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand 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…
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) March 8, 2025
Notably, this is not the first time when a Hindu Mandir has come under attack in the USA. Another infamous incident of vandalism took place last year when the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized on the night of September 25. In less than 10 days, it was second such attack as earlier a similar attack took place on the BAPS Mandir in New York.
The anti-Hindu graffiti, with phrases like “Hindus go back,” has alarmed the local Hindu community. But they have reaffirmed their commitment of standing united against such acts of hate.
