International, 23rd December: The Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, fell victim to vandalism when suspected pro-Khalistan activists defaced its exterior wall with anti-India graffiti.
The incident, uncovered on Friday, prompted the Newark Police Service to launch an investigation into what they are treating as a hate crime.
Discovering the hateful messages scrawled in black ink on the sacred walls of their place of worship, the local Hindu community expressed shock.
Bhargav Raval, the spokesperson for the temple administration, reported that a nearby devotee first noticed the graffiti and promptly alerted the authorities.
Police Captain Jonathan Arguello conveyed deep sadness over the occurrence and assured the public that the Newark Police Department takes such acts very seriously. He emphasized that violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or crimes motivated by hate or bias receive the utmost care and attention from the police force. The investigation is thorough, involving evidence collection and reviewing surveillance footage from neighboring residences.
This defacement is not an isolated incident; it follows a series of similar attacks on Hindu temples across various countries, including Canada and Australia, where temples were also vandalized with anti-India sentiments. These events have sparked significant concern within the Indian community, prompting responses from Indian officials and global law enforcement agencies.
The desecration of the Swaminarayan temple has deeply resonated with the Hindu community, both locally and internationally, as they grapple with the implications of such targeted acts of hate. The incident underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities and highlights the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of extremism.
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