India condemns vandalism at BAPS Hindu temple in California

A day after the desecration at the BAPS Hindu Temple in California, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Sunday condemned “such despicable acts in strongest terms.” On Saturday, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), in a release, stated that the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir situated in Chino Hills had faced desecration. Taking note of the reports of the vandalism, the MEA said: “We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.” Soon after the desecration took place, the BAPS Public Affairs team took to X (formerly Twitter), asserting that the Hindu community stands strong against all forms of hate. “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root,” it posted on X. Last year, the BAPS Hindu temple in California’s Sacramento, and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, were too desecrated.