New York Hindu Temple Desecrated: Indian Authorities Push for Investigation.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, suffered vandalism on Monday, with hateful graffiti scrawled on the driveway and the temple’s exterior sign damaged outside the gate.
New Delhi | Sept 17, 2024:: The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was targeted by vandals on Monday, who scrawled hate messages on the driveway and damaged the temple’s exterior sign.
The investigation into the vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is ongoing, and authorities are exploring potential links to extremist groups. No specific individuals or organizations have been identified as responsible at this time. But, the The suspected vandal may belong to extremist Sikh groups led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Suffolk police are investigating an incident where an individual spray-painted hateful and derogatory messages against Hindus on the driveway and sign of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located at 2 Deshon Drive, was targeted by vandals between 7 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 a.m. Monday, according to Suffolk police.
Detectives of from Suffolk County Police’s Hate Crimes Unit are probing the criminal mischief incident at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, pursuing it as a hate crime investigation.
The Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, labeling it “unacceptable” and “heinous” . In a statement posted on X, the Consulate General emphasized its commitment to supporting the community and ensuring prompt action against the perpetrators. They’ve already reached out to U.S. law enforcement authorities to investigate and address the issue.
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
The vandalism incident occurred between 7 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 a.m. Monday, with hate-filled messages spray-painted on the driveway and temple sign . The Hindu American Foundation has urged the U.S. Justice Department to take action.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, Denounces Vandalism as Latest Act of Hate and Intolerance
In a statement, the temple condemned the recent vandalism, citing a disturbing trend of similar incidents at Hindu mandirs across North America.
‘We strongly condemn these senseless acts of desecration and pray for peace and harmony among all communities,’ the statement read. ‘Respect, tolerance, and cooperation are the foundations of religious freedom in the United States, and we urge all to uphold these values.
Community members and US lawmakers gathered at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, to offer prayers for peace and unity after the temple was desecrated with messages of hatred. U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota and U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi were among those who condemned the incident, with LaLota stating that the act aimed to incite hatred against Hindus.
LaLota emphasized the importance of standing united against hate with compassion and solidarity, guided by faith. The gathering was supported by local, state, and federal leaders representing Long Island, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy New York State Assembly Speaker Phil Ramos, and New York State Senator Mario Mattera.
This incident is unfortunately not an isolated one, as similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu temples across North America. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has condemned the incident and prayed for peace among all communities, emphasizing the importance of respect, harmony, and religious freedom.
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
…
taking his X handle, Tom Suozzi wrote, “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.”
There is too much hate!
— Tom Suozzi (@RepTomSuozzi) September 16, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/LoO5htkTHU
…
“The BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York, like all BAPS Mandirs worldwide, stands as a beacon of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. Upon learning of the hateful vandalism, the local authorities were called, and BAPS is working fully with the authorities to support their investigation into this hate crime,” the BAPS statement read.
Indian American lawmakers Ro Khanna and Niraj Antani have strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, and are seeking justice and accountability. This isn’t the first time they’ve spoken out against hate crimes targeting the Indian community. Earlier this year, they, along with three other lawmakers of Indian and Hindu heritage, urged the U.S. Department of Justice to address the “alarming” rise of Hindu hate crimes.
Ro Khanna posted in X, “I strongly condemn this act of desecration of a Hindu temple in Melville, NY. Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence. We need accountability and to make sure this does not happen again.”
…
Niraj Antani also wrote, “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.”
…
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, calling for a full investigation and swift justice. He emphasized that attacks on places of worship are unacceptable and violate fundamental values. Fitzpatrick’s statement echoes the sentiments of other lawmakers, including Ro Khanna and Niraj Antani, who have also denounced the incident. Fitzpatrick’s call to action is particularly significant, as it underscores the importance of protecting religious freedom and combating hate crimes. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which manages the mandir, has a long history of promoting spirituality, harmony, and community service.
…The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov must investigate this attack on the @BAPS Hindu temple in Melville, NY shared by @OnTheNewsBeat after recent threats to Hindu institutions as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 16, 2024
pic.twitter.com/S52x8yPNs8
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is urging the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the recent attack on the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New York, citing threats to Hindu institutions ahead of a large Indian community event this weekend. This incident bears a disturbing resemblance to previous attacks on temples in California and Canada, which were linked to Khalistani separatists.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistani leader, recently posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, including HAF, as the community event approaches. This has raised concerns about the safety of the Hindu community and the potential for further violence.
“Gurpatwant Pannun, of “Sikhs for Justice,” recently posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, including HAF, as the community event approaches. The vandalism is similar to that seen in attacks on temples in New York, California and Canada & called out by @CongressmanRaja @RoKhanna @ShriThanedar @PramilaJayapal @BeraForCongress @shuvmajumdar and other political leaders,” the HAF’s X post read.
…
Not, the first time, The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has been targeted before. Just a few months ago, a similar incident occurred at a sister temple in Edmonton, Canada.
…
__Inputs from India Today and various X handles.
