India Condemns Vandalism of Hindu Temple in California, Demands Strict Action

Hindu Temple in California: India on Sunday (March 9, 2025) strongly condemned an incident of vandalism at a Hindu temple in California’s Chino Hills and demanded “stringent action” against those involved.

Posting on X, ministry of external affairs 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. 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.”

In an official statement, the Ministry also called upon "local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship".

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On Saturday night, BAPS in the US confirmed the incident and said the "Hindu community stands 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," it added.

As per media reports, slogans like "Hindus go back" were sprayed on the walls of the temple.

Condemning the incident, the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) said that it was "just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination".

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The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is one of the largest Hindu temples in the US. Reports described the graffiti inscribed on the temple as “anti-India”.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), in a separate post on X, noted it was “not surprising” that the incident had occurred ahead of a “so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’” in Los Angeles. CoHNA also listed other Hindu temples that had been vandalized in the past few years.

Pro-Khalistan groups have organised so-called referendums in cities in Canada and the US on the creation of a state of Khalistan. India has opposed such actions and lodged protests with both countries.

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