The New York police department is currently probing into the defacement of a highly respected Hindu temple, evaluating it as a potential act of a hate crime. The BAPS – Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha – temple located in Melville, Suffolk County, reported vandalism involving spray paint on its signboard and driveway. ‘Anti-Hindu’ slogans and derogatory remarks aimed at India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, were the contents of the graffiti, as reported by the police. The act was committed in the time frame between Sunday, 7pm local time, and 6.30am on Monday.
The Hate Crimes Unit of the Suffolk police is actively investigating this act of disturbance. The offensive graffiti comprised of spiteful remarks blatantly against the Hindu community. The crime marked the signboard and driveway of the temple, which held its grand opening back in 2016, with obscenities.
The timing of the occurrence has raised concerns as it falls just a few days prior to the official visit of Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, to Long Island. He is due to attend and address a communal event at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 22.
The Indian consulate expressed its profound displeasure regarding the incident on Monday, clearly condemning the act. It prompted the authorities of the United States to take the necessary actions against those responsible for this reprehensible act.
The temple, managed by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, responded to the act of hate by organizing a prayer gathering at the site of the vandalism. Several eminent personnel, including US members of Congress such as Nick LaLota, Tom Suozzi, and senator Mario Mattera, attended this gathering.
The shocking incident has deeply upset members of the local community, as revealed by the temple leader, Girish Patel. Expressing distress to NewsDay, he stated, ‘This is our place of worship. We are fervent believers in peace, tranquility, and collective effort.’
Patel further reported that the gathering at this sacred site on Monday also included several public officials as well as representatives of various religious faiths such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Despite the sadness brought about by the incident, Patel acknowledged the coming together of different faiths and authorities as a ‘powerful message’.
Posting about the incident, a representative of the temple shared, ‘We are heavily disheartened by the defilement of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an action evidently intended to provoke loathing against Hindus.’
The representative also reported that various leaders from the local, state, and federal levels gathered to promote unity, respect, and peace. They highlighted the strength of their faith and vowed to remain united against hatred by demonstrating empathy and solidarity.
The Hindu-American foundation, shaken by the incident, has taken proactive steps to demand action. The foundation has formally requested an investigation into the vandalism by the US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.