'Heinous Act': Indian Mission Raises Concerns With US Govt After Vandalism Of New York's BAPS Temple

The Indian Consulate in New York on Monday condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville and called for swift action against the culprits, saying that such acts are “unacceptable.”

In a statement, the India mission said it is in contact with the local community and has raised the issue with US authorities to ensure prompt action against those responsible for this “heinous act.” This condemnation came after expletives were sprayed on the road and the signage outside the temple.

“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,” the Indian mission said in a post on X.

‘Threats to Hindu institutions’

The Hindu American Foundation said in a post on X that the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security “must investigate” the attack on the temple. “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,” the Hindu outfit said.

The group added that the latest vandalism incident is similar to that seen in attacks on temples in New York, California and Canada. “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 Congressman Raja, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal @BeraForCongress @shuvmajumdar and other political leaders,” it added.

Melville is located in Suffolk County on Long Island and is about 28 kilometres from the 16000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a mega community event on September 22.