Hindu temple vandalisation: Swaminarayan Temple in California vandalised with anti-India graffiti; probe underway

Hindu temple vandalisation: Suspected pro-Khalistan activists are under scrutiny after the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, fell victim to vandalism. The temple's exterior wall was defaced with anti-India graffiti, as revealed by the Newark Police Service, which began an investigation into the incident reported on Friday.

The temple administration, deeply alarmed by the discovery, said the defacement contained anti-Hindu and anti-India messages in black ink. Bhargav Raval, the temple's spokesperson, expressed profound shock at the offensive content discovered on the sacred premises.

Newark Police Captain Jonathan Arguello described the act as targeted vandalism and assured a thorough investigation. He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, indicating the utilisation of nearby surveillance footage to piece together the sequence of events leading to the defacement.

Describing the incident as a hate crime, the authorities vowed a comprehensive investigation, highlighting the severe consequences for crimes motivated by hate or bias.

This act follows a recent indictment by the US Justice Department involving an Indian national allegedly connected to a thwarted plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern, noting the contradiction of such matters with government policy.

In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India's commitment to the rule of law, expressing readiness to investigate any presented evidence.

The defacement at the Swaminarayan temple in California adds to prior incidents, including an attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco by alleged Khalistan supporters and the defacement of a Hindu temple in Canada with Khalistan-related posters.

These overseas events have sparked concerns about escalating anti-India extremism. Prime Minister Modi stressed the necessity for mature and stable partnerships between nations, cautioning against linking isolated events to diplomatic relations.

— With inputs from agencies

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