Ro Khanna Condemns Vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, Calls for Action on Hate Crimes

Sacramento, September 26 :
Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna denounced the desecration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir with anti-Hindu graffiti and demanded an investigation into the sacrilege by the US Department of Justice. Ro Khanna wrote, "This kind of hatred against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong" in regards to X. These hate crimes need an investigation by the DOJ, and the perpetrators should face the full force of the law.

This was his reaction to a post on X that BAPS Public Affairs had posted. "Last night, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!"," BAPS Public Affairs announced, providing details about the event less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York. In the face of hatred, we stand together, praying for peace.

This vandalism incident follows a comparable one that occurred at the BAPS Mandir in New York City less than a week ago. Concerned members of the local Hindu community took action in reaction to the comments, which included the phrase "Hindus go back," by pledging to stand united against hatred.

At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, close to Rancho Cordova, deputies from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were called to the scene when the graffiti was found, as reported by the agency. According to the deputies, the property's water lines were also cut by the vandals.

Sacramento County does not tolerate religious intolerance or hatred, according to an X post by Indian American Congresswoman Ami Bera. Whatever this is, I despise it as an act of vandalism in our neighborhood. No one can tolerate bigotry or discrimination; we must all work to make our town a welcoming place for people of all faiths.

After Beri brought attention to the hate crime that targeted a Hindu temple, the Hindu American Foundation expressed their gratitude.
"I appreciate it, @RepBera. An anti-Hindu hate crime has been committed by vandalizing a Hindu temple. The messages on the vandalized walls equate Hindus with the Indian government and urge Hindus to "go home," according to the Hindu American Foundation's post on X.

Vandalism at New York's BAPS Swaminarayan Temple occurred on September 17 in a similar vein. The assault on the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, was likewise denounced by the Consulate General of India in New York as "unacceptable."

A number of US senators have spoken out against the recent desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York and have called for the perpetrators to face consequences. The recurrence of acts of violence and hatred in the country was also brought up by US Congressmen. The "hideous act" was denounced by Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar, who said that investigations into such "vandalism, bigotry, and hate" must be thorough.