Newark, California (US) - Authorities reported that suspected pro-Khalistan activists defaced the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, with anti-India graffiti, revealing the incident on Friday (local time). The Newark Police Service initiated an investigation into this act of vandalism after the exterior wall of the Hindu temple was found marked with offensive graffiti.

The temple administration disclosed that the occurrence took place late Thursday night. Bhargav Raval, the temple administration spokesperson, conveyed, "A nearby devotee spotted anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti in black ink on an exterior wall of the temple and promptly notified local authorities." The spokesperson expressed shock at discovering such anti-Indian sentiments defacing the temple's wall.

Jonathan Arguello, a police captain for Newark, highlighted the targeted nature of the act, stating, "Based on the graffiti, we believe it was a targeted act, and it's going to be investigated thoroughly. These senseless acts have no place in Newark, and we are deeply saddened by them." He assured a meticulous investigation, emphasizing the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the situation.

During a press conference, the captain reassured the public of the dedication to a comprehensive investigation. "We are currently collecting evidence, including footage from nearby surveillance cameras, to piece together the events leading to this defacement," he explained.

The police captain underscored their policy regarding crimes motivated by hate or bias, asserting, "Any acts of violence, property damage, or intimidation driven by hate are considered very serious and handled with utmost care. At this point, we're treating this investigation as a hate crime based on the evidence gathered."

This incident isn't an isolated one. It follows the recent unsealing of an indictment by the US Justice Department against an Indian national linked to an alleged plot to assassinate India-designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

The indictment claimed that an Indian government employee (referred to as CC-1) recruited Nikhil Gupta to arrange the assassination, which US authorities successfully thwarted. Gupta faces charges of murder-for-hire, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Gupta, detained by Czech authorities on June 30, pursuant to the US-Czech extradition treaty, remains in custody. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the case, stating it contradicts the government's policy.

The defacement of the Swaminarayan temple echoes a concerning trend of targeting religious sites, emphasizing the need for vigilance and swift action against such acts of intolerance and vandalism.

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