The Swaminarayan Temple in Newark, California, a Hindu place of worship, was targeted in an unsettling act of vandalism featuring pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti. This incident, characterized as a Khalistani-related act, has led the Hindu American Foundation to advocate for an investigation into the matter as a potential hate crime.

A resident living in proximity to the shrine stumbled upon black ink graffiti displaying anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiments on an outer wall of the structure. Bhargav Raval, the spokesperson for the temple administration, informed ANI that the local authorities were promptly notified. The temple administration reported that the incident occurred on Thursday night.

Photographs emerged depicting slogans against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the temple's walls. The Hindu American Foundation shared these images, revealing the graffiti on the walls of the Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha. The organization expressed concern that these malicious messages might have been intended to distress temple visitors and instill a sense of "fear of violence."

Targeting Hindu temples is not a new occurrence, as similar incidents have taken place in the past, not only in the United States but also in neighboring Canada. India has expressed apprehension regarding the growing activities of Khalistan supporters and has taken steps to curb the efforts of organizations and individuals seeking to fuel separatist sentiments in different countries.

Canada has accused India of playing a role in Nijjar's killing but has not yet furnished evidence to support the allegations. Additionally, the US has apprehended an Indian individual for purported involvement in a plot to assassinate Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

India has refuted these allegations, calling them false and baseless. The country has asserted its willingness to investigate the matter if the accusing nations provide concrete evidence.

In response to the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged the situation and emphasized the importance of not allowing room for extremists and separatists. He mentioned that upon the complaint from our Consulate to the local government and police, an investigation into the matter is currently underway.