HAYWARD (Diya TV) — Vijay’s Sherawali Hindu Temple in Hayward, CA, has fallen victim to a disturbing act of vandalism, as anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti was discovered spray-painted across its walls. This incident follows a series of attacks on Hindu temples in the Bay Area & across America, heightening concerns among the community.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), reacting promptly, posted on social media platform X, stating, “Another Bay Area Hindu temple attacked with pro-#Khalistan graffiti.” The defacement occurred just two weeks after the Swaminarayan Mandir attack and one week after a theft at the Shiv Durga temple in the same vicinity.
Situated at 20789 Garden Avenue, the graffiti specifically targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and glorified Khalistan. HAF is actively engaged with temple leaders, the Alameda Police Department, and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to address the matter comprehensively.
Expressing concern over the rising threat from pro-Khalistan elements, HAF is urging temple leaders nationwide to download its safety guide. This guide emphasizes the categorization of temple graffiti as a hate crime and stresses the importance of installing effective security cameras and alarm systems. The evolving political landscape in the Bay Area, particularly pertaining to Indian-American communities, is becoming a divisive factor, as stated by Mihir Meghani, co-founder of HAF, in an interview with CBS News.
Coinciding with the vandalism at Vijay’s Sherawali Temple, the investigation into the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple attack is ongoing as a potential hate crime. The State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs condemned the act, expressing support for efforts by the Newark Police Department to hold those responsible accountable.
Highlighting the urgency for enhanced security measures, the Hindu American Foundation reiterates the importance of installing security cameras and alarms, considering the escalating threat from Khalistan supporters. The recent attacks on Hindu temples, occurring between December 2023 and the first week of the New Year, underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding religious institutions against acts of hate and vandalism.
As the community rallies against these targeted attacks, law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to piece together evidence from surveillance cameras, treating these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. The condemnation and solidarity from the US State Department further underscore the collective stance against such acts, emphasizing the need for swift action and heightened security measures to protect places of worship.
