‘Take stringent action against those responsible’: MEA on California’s BAPS Hindu Temple vandalism

India on Sunday strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, and called for "strict action" against those responsible.

“We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. 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,” said MEA in an official release.

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New Delhi also called for adequate security to the places of worship in view of the incident.

"We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"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," he said.

Jaiswal was responding to media queries on the incident.

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on Saturday said that Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills faced desecration.

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"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 BAPS Public Affairs posted on X.

"Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," it said, without providing details of the incident.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America, drew attention to past such cases and demanded a thorough investigation.

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CoHNA provided a list of 10 temples that have been vandalized or burglarized in recent years.

In September, the BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was defaced with offensive graffiti reading "Hindus go back!"

Almost 10 days earlier, another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was also marked with hateful messages.

The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)