In a shocking incident on Friday, the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California, United States, fell victim to an act of vandalism, leaving the walls defaced with anti-India graffiti. The defacement included the spray-painting of the word ‘Khalistan’ on a signpost outside the temple, alongside other objectionable graffiti, as revealed in images circulating on social media.
The Bharat Embassy in San Francisco swiftly responded, urging a thorough investigation into the incident. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his concern, emphasizing that extremists and separatists should not be given any space. The Consulate General of Bharat in San Francisco lodged a complaint with the government and the police, initiating an inquiry into the matter.
Reacting strongly to the incident, the Consulate General of Bharat in San Francisco condemned the act in a social media post, noting the profound impact on the sentiments of the Bharat community. The consulate called for a swift investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Newark police, acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, emphasized that any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or crimes motivated by hate or bias are treated with the utmost priority. Based on the content of the graffiti, the defacement is being investigated as a possible hate crime, indicating that the incident was a targeted act.
This unfortunate incident follows a previous attack on India’s consulate in San Francisco in July, where Khalistan supporters attempted to set the diplomatic facility on fire. Furthermore, multiple temples in the UK, Australia, and Canada have faced defacement this year, raising concerns about the safety and security of Indian religious institutions abroad.
In a related development, weeks prior to this incident, the United States Department of Justice charged an Indian national for his involvement in a plot to murder Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, underscoring the global implications of such activities.
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