Vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills: Hindu Groups Demand Justice
Vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills: A Shocking Attack on Hindu Faith
The Hindu community in the U.S. is grappling with the shocking defacement of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California. This disturbing incident, which saw the temple’s sacred walls covered with anti-India graffiti, has drawn widespread outrage from Hindu groups and individuals alike, with many calling it an act of hate against the community.
The attack, which occurred on the night of March 6, 2025, marks yet another episode in a growing series of Hindu temple vandalism cases across the United States. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a leading Hindu advocacy group, was quick to condemn the incident, calling for swift and stringent action from U.S. authorities.
VHP’s Response and Calls for Action
Vinod Bansal, the national spokesperson for VHP, strongly criticized the attack, stating that such acts are not new but have escalated since the Trump administration. Bansal further demanded that the U.S. government take concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable. “We condemn such acts and demand strict actions from the U.S. administration and the police,” he said.
While the incident has prompted outrage, Bansal’s comments underscore a deeper concern regarding the safety of Hindu places of worship in North America. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located in San Bernardino County near Los Angeles, has long been a cherished cultural and spiritual center for the local Hindu community, making this attack all the more shocking.
Calls for FBI Investigation
In response to the incident, The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called for an FBI investigation into the attack. On social media platform X, HAF posted: “We ask @ChinoHills_PD, @FBI @FBIDirectorKash @DNIGabbard to investigate this latest in a string of anti-Hindu hate crimes on our sacred spaces.”
The call for a federal investigation has been echoed by other Hindu groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), who argue that the attack is indicative of a broader, more troubling trend of rising Hinduphobia in the West. CoHNA linked the vandalism to growing anti-Hindu sentiments and warned that such incidents could become more frequent in the coming years.
The Growing Concern of Hinduphobia in the U.S.
CoHNA’s response highlighted that incidents of Hindu temple vandalism have been on the rise in recent years. They pointed to other attacks, including the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, in September 2024, and a similar act of vandalism targeting another BAPS temple in New York. CoHNA’s statements have sparked a larger conversation about Hinduphobia in the U.S., with many in the Hindu community feeling increasingly vulnerable.
The recent attack on the Chino Hills temple comes amidst rising tensions surrounding the Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, with some linking the incident to ongoing political tensions. This connection, however, remains speculative, and further investigation is required to determine any potential links.
Indian Government’s Condemnation
The Indian government has also strongly condemned the attack. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed the government’s concern over the vandalism and demanded that U.S. authorities take immediate action. “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms,” said Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA spokesperson.
In addition to demanding swift justice, the Indian government has also called for enhanced security measures at Hindu places of worship in the U.S. to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
BAPS Public Affairs Team Stands Strong
In response to the attack, the BAPS Public Affairs team issued a statement expressing solidarity with the local community in Chino Hills. The organization vowed to continue fighting against hate and intolerance, saying, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate.”
The statement emphasized the resilience of the Hindu community and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and compassion, even in the face of such tragic events. The temple has become a symbol of unity and spiritual strength, and its message of tolerance and respect continues to resonate.
The Way Forward
The vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills has sparked a nationwide conversation on the safety of religious minorities in the U.S. and the troubling rise of hate crimes targeting Hindu places of worship. With calls for action from Hindu advocacy groups, the Indian government, and the wider community, it is clear that such incidents must be met with both swift justice and long-term solutions to combat Hinduphobia and ensure the safety of all religious groups.
As investigations continue, the hope is that stronger laws and enhanced security measures will help prevent similar attacks in the future. In the meantime, the Hindu community in California and across the U.S. remains united in its call for justice, determined to ensure that hatred will not prevail.