The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) strongly condemns the appalling act of vandalism and desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California. This latest incident is yet another distressing example in a long and alarming trend of targeted attacks against Hindu places of worship across the United States. The repeated vandalization of temples, including this most recent assault, is a direct attack on the religious freedom and safety of Hindu Americans. The perpetrators of these crimes seek to spread fear and division within our communities, and such hateful actions must not be tolerated. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the BAPS community and the larger Hindu population in the U.S., reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that Hindus can practice their faith freely and without fear of persecution.
VHPA President Tejal Shah strongly condemned this attack, stating, “This and every prior attack on BAPS Mandirs—institutions dedicated to harmony and peace—are deeply troubling. BAPS has worked tirelessly to establish places of worship that serve as serene sanctuaries for devotion and community service, not just in the U.S. but across the world. When a Mandir is attacked, it is an attack on our Shraddha (faith), and that is unacceptable under any circumstances. We urge California and federal law enforcement to investigate this heinous act and take firm action in accordance with our Constitution.”
Vallabha Tantry, the convener of VHPA’s Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC), also expressed deep anguish over the attack, stating, “It is incomprehensible that someone would attack such a sacred place. HMEC strongly condemns this reprehensible act and requests authorities to investigate and take appropriate next steps. HMEC stands by our BAPS community members in this hour of anguish.”
Dr. Jai Bansal, VHPA’s Vice President of Education, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The Hindu community in America is one of the newest, yet it is also one of the highest-contributing and most law-abiding immigrant communities. We have enriched this country in every field, from science and technology to business, healthcare, and academia. It is therefore doubly painful to see such attacks on our cultural and religious symbols, which not only harm our community but also undermine the core values of tolerance and pluralism that America stands for.”
This latest desecration is not an isolated incident; rather, it is part of an escalating pattern of hate crimes against the Hindu community. We call upon the U.S. government to conduct a thorough and swift investigation, identify the culprits, and bring them to justice. This is a critical test of the Trump administration’s public commitment to eradicating terrorism and extremism from American soil. Hindu Americans, like all citizens, deserve the full protection of law enforcement against such acts of bigotry and intolerance. VHPA urges local and federal authorities to take decisive action, ensuring that religious spaces remain safe and that those responsible for spreading hate are held accountable.
