In a shocking incident, a Hindu temple in Newark, California, was targeted with anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans graffiti on its exterior walls. The defacement, including hateful slogans against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with references to the slain Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, has sparked concerns within the community.
The Hindu American Foundation brought attention to the distressing act by sharing images of the graffiti on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, a revered place of worship, found itself marred with divisive messages intended to create fear and trauma among temple-goers.
“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,” stated the Hindu American Foundation on X.
Expressing deep concern, the foundation called upon the Newark police to investigate the incident thoroughly and treat it as a hate crime. “Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-#Khalistan slogans. @NewarkCA_Police and @CivilRights have been informed and a full investigation will follow. We are insisting that this should be investigated as a hate crime,” the post read.
In response to the alarming incident, the Newark police assured the public of a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The defacement of the temple has raised questions about the rising instances of hate crimes and the need for communal harmony.
Community leaders and advocates for religious freedom are expressing solidarity with the affected temple and calling for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent such acts of vandalism and hate in the future. As the investigation unfolds, there is a collective hope for justice and a strong message against intolerance and divisiveness in the community.
