Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation after a Hindu temple in San Bernardino County was vandalized with “political messages.”
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Chino Hills around 9:15 a.m. Saturday on a vandalism call.
Upon arriving at the temple and speaking with an administrator, the deputies learned that an unknown suspect or suspects had spray painted graffiti containing “political messages” on the temple’s marble sign, a nearby brick wall and a sidewalk belonging to the city of Chino Hills.
The exact nature of the “political messages” was not disclosed by law enforcement; temple officials did not reveal what was spray painted but released a statement condemning the incident.
“In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate,” BAPS Public Affairs said on X. “Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”
No video surveillance of the incident was available, and no suspects have been identified; anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department by calling 909-364-2000.
Anonymous information can be submitted to We-Tip by calling 1-900-782-7463 or visiting www.wetip.com
Chino Hills Code Enforcement has been notified and is helping with the ongoing investigation, deputies confirmed.
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism, according to the The Indian Express.
