Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Sanstha (SMVS) Temple in Cedar Blvd, Newark, California was vandalised with anti-India graffiti on Dec 21 and the police are investigating the matter as a possible hate crime. The defacing of the temple was found Friday morning.
According to images posted on social media, the word ‘Khalistan’ was spray-painted on a sign post outside the temple along with other objectionable graffiti on Indian PM Narendra Modi.
The Newark Police Department said that the temple’s defacement seems to be targeted. Officers responded and met with temple leaders who described the vandalism as meant to intimidate them.
Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority,” the Newark Police Department said in a news release.
Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice,” the Newark police said.
The US State Department also condemned the vandalism in a social media post. “We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said in a post.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while reacting to the vandalism, said that no space should be given to extremists. “I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco strongly condemned the defacing of the temple. “We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti,” the Consulate posted on X. “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community.
We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the Consulate said.
Congressman Shri Thanedar posted on X, As the founder of the Congressional Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain Caucus, I express my profound condemnation of the disgraceful act of vandalism committed against the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California. This desecration, marked by anti-India graffiti, strikes at the very essence of our diverse and inclusive society.
I denounce such attacks of intolerance and call for a thorough investigation into this heinous crime. Religious freedom and communal harmony are fundamental tenets of our nation, and I urge swift action by law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice, ensuring the safety and sanctity of all places of worship.
Congressman Ro Khanna, who represents California’s 17th Congressional District located in Silicon Valley, said in a post on X that he strongly condemns the “defacing” of the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California which is in his district.“Freedom to worship is at the heart of American democracy.
Those who committed this act of vandalism must be held accountable,” Khanna said. He said he is heartened that the community is coming together to stand up against hate and remove the graffiti. “This community action is answering wickedness with goodness,” he said.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi termed the defacing of the Swaminarayan temple as “despicable” and said he strongly condemns it.“We must stand united against bigotry in all its ugly forms. Those who did this vandalism must be held accountable,” he said.
State Senator in the Ohio Senate Niraj Antani, elected to the Ohio Senate at age 29 and the youngest currently serving member of the Senate, said that as the first Hindu-American State Senator in Ohio history, he condemns in the “strongest terms” the vandalisation of the Hindu Mandir. “The perpetrators must be caught and punished to the full extent of the law. We must root out and vanquish Hinduphobia everywhere it is,” Antani said.
“This incident is shockingly intimidating for American Hindus who are facing a challenging and unsettling situation with Hate Crimes. Time for us to unite, strategize, plan and execute with action! Americans4Hindus is empowering our community Politically to have a strong voice to Proactively combat Hinduphobia “, said Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Chairman Americans4Hindus
“An attack on any place of worship is unfortunate. The temple leaders were dismayed at the defacing of their sacred temple The Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Newark Ca. They were unsure how to seek help.
The City of Newark and their officials were very responsive and provided all the assistance needed and are pursuing this incident diligently. Hate and vandalism shake a community but we are gratified to see the outpouring of support from a broad coalition of community partners in condemning this horrible act. It was touching to see the community come together to help our temple devotees to clean up the hateful graffiti. This is the American spirit. said Mahesh Patel, GCA
“We are deeply saddened by the vandalism at the SMVS Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, CA. Our Hindu vision of peace in the world is one in which all communities and religions can coexist. Let us pray for peaceful coexistence and harmony.“ – said Rajesh Rathod, Community Affairs – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Milpitas, CA.
As someone who joined in support at the rally, I wholeheartedly condemn the reprehensible act of vandalism targeting Newark’s Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple, especially during this holiday season. This is a time when we gather to celebrate love, compassion, and unity, and it is disheartening to witness such acts of hate. Let us stand together, embracing the spirit of the season, and work towards building a community where diversity is cherished and everyone can safely and freely express their faith and traditions, said Lily Mei, Fremont Mayor.
Teresa Cox, Fremont City Council member states, “This act of hate should be condoned and unacceptable. Zero tolerance for hate in our community.”
I unequivocally join our State department in condemning the reprehensible act of defacement and vandalism perpetrated against the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple. Places of worship hold immense significance for communities serving as symbols of peace, harmony, and cultural heritage, said Raj Salwan, Fremont Councilmember.
Fremont Hindu Temple and Cultural Center (FHT) has been serving the community for the last 40 years. The Temple had celebrated the Guru Nanak Jayanti, like every year since inception. We also celebrate most of the Hindu religious events.
FHT is a religious tax exempt organization similar to the Swaminarayan Temple where such a despicable defacing of the temple name and graffiti act was done by some miscreants. This act of ignorance and intolerance, that too against place of worship, should be strongly condemned by all. We pray to God to give these people some sense so they do not repeat such acts against places of worship of any religion, said Rajesh Verma, President, Fremont Hindu Temple.
The vandalism perpetrated against the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Newark CA was disturbing. I strongly condemn it. Places of worship hold significance for communities. A community needs to embrace diversity and appreciate different faiths and cultures. Defacing a Hindu temple sows seeds of hate and intolerance. There should be no room for any kind of hate.
Those responsible must be held accountable and brought to justice. I hope that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Comforting, however, is all those that came together to condemn these acts and join hands to erase the graffiti. They are angels indeed! Thank you City of Newark, your elected leaders and your community. This is the true American spirit. Let’s stand united against hate.” said Yogi Chugh, Community leader.
The vandalization of a Hindu temple is a heinous crime. The reference of Bhindrawale who was responsible for killing hundreds of innocent Hindus in Punjab, is a veiled threat of violence against Hindus.The entire Hindu community is outraged. We call upon Newark Police to identify the culprits and take strong action to prevent such hate crimes, said Ashish, CIO of Americans4Hindus.
In Newark, California, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalized with graffiti expressing hateful slogans against India and Prime Minister Modi. This incident calls for a thorough investigation and we demand severe punishment for those responsible for these hate crimes. Our society thrives when we embrace diversity and appreciate the richness of different faiths.
Hindus believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam means “The World Is One Family”. It encourages thinking about the welfare of others, fostering global solidarity, said Chandru Bhambhra, Fremont Hindu Temple Trustee.
In an unfortunate incident, a Hindu Temple was vandalized, a heinous act to create tension among two peace-loving communities, Hindus and Sikhs. It was heartwarming to see the act of humanity at the same time. The community came together to clean up graffiti and support the temple. I hope the perpetrators are brought to justice, said Jagruti Shah, RJ and HR professional.
Long-term residents of the Bay Area are alarmed to see the rise of hate crimes against Hindus and Hindu Temples. This appears to be a deliberately targeted hate crime. We hope that Law Enforcement can snuff it out with strong measures, immediately, rather than allowing it to escalate before taking corrective action.
The Bay Area has been a benevolent area that treats Humans of All Faiths equally and welcomes diversity. It would be very sad indeed for the Bay Area to deteriorate into accepting such hate crimes. We look forward to meaningful corrective measures that actually tackle the problem, said Meena Annamalai Construction Director Shiva Murugan Temple, Concord.
“The mention of the Khalistan terrorist kingpin #Bhindranwale, who targeted Hindus for murder, is specifically meant to traumatize temple goers and create a fear of violence—meeting the CA definition of a hate crime,” the Hindu American Foundation wrote.
Also Read: Ahead of Independence Day, another Hindu temple vandalised in Canada
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