BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York vandalised, Indian consulate raises matter with US

(Photo: X/BAPS Public Affairs)

New York/New Delhi: The Indian Consulate in New York has condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, as “unacceptable” and said it has raised the matter with the US law enforcement authorities.

Some parts of temple premises were sprayed with anti-Hindu and anti-Modi graffiti, ahead of PM Modi's visit to the US.

In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs termed it an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus.

“Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity.”

The Indian Consulate in a post said it is in touch with the Indian community.

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Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity. pic.twitter.com/ERvM1m1AZF

— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 16, 2024 >

“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.”

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The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable ; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.…

— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) September 16, 2024 >
Some US lawmakers have condemned the vandalism.

Lawmaker Tom Suozzi from New York, in a post on X said such acts are “un-American and contradict the core values of our nation”.

“There is too much hate!

“I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville. Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation.”

Brian Fitzpatrick said on X that such attacks cannot and will not be tolerated and those responsible must be held accountable:

“Attacks on places of worship are attacks on our most fundamental values. This cannot, and will not, be tolerated. We stand firmly with our Hindu-American community, and condemn violence and hatred in all its forms, without exception. A full investigation should be pursued, and justice must be served swiftly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

The Hindu American Foundation demanded that the US Justice Department must investigate the attack, as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend when PM Modi would be visiting.

Niraj Antani, State Senator in Ohio Senate, in a post on X condemned the vandalization as “another disgusting incidence of Hinduphobia”.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Melville, NY. The perpetrators must be caught & prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is yet another disgusting incidence of Hinduphobia in our country. We must stand together to combat this hatred.”