Hindu Temple in California Defaced with Pro-Khalistan Graffiti

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California, named Vijay’s Sherawali Temple, was reportedly defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). This incident occurred just weeks after the Swaminarayan Mandir in California was vandalized with anti-India graffiti.

The HAF posted on social media, “Another Bay Area Hindu temple attacked with pro-#Khalistan graffiti. The Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, CA sustained a copycat defacement just two weeks after the Swaminarayan Mandir attack and one week after a theft at the Shiv Durga temple in the same area.”

The Hindu American Foundation stated that it was in contact with temple leaders and in touch with the Alameda Police Department and Civil Rights Division regarding the incident.

Last month, the US State Department condemned the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan temple in California and welcomed the efforts of the Newark Police Department to hold those responsible accountable. The Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, was vandalized with anti-India graffiti by suspected pro-Khalistan activists.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed concern over the vandalism, stating that extremists and separatist forces outside India should not be given such space. The Newark police described the incident as a “targeted act” and assured a thorough investigation.