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India has condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in US’ California and called upon law enforcement authorities to take strict action against those responsible. Terming such acts “despicable”, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said local authorities should ensure adequate security to places of worship.
Responding to media queries regarding the defacement of the temple at Chino Hills in Los Angeles, Mr Jaiswal said in a statement, “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.”
Our response to media queries regarding vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California:
🔗 https://t.co/8H25kCdwhY pic.twitter.com/H59bYxq7qZ
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 9, 2025
BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), has said the Hindu community stands firm against hate. “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root,” BAPS Public Affairs posted on X. “Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” it said.
In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace…
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) March 8, 2025
The temple’s official handle on X denounced the act and prayed for peace. “BAPSLosAngeles, like all BAPS Mandirs worldwide, serves as a symbol of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities,” it said.
#BAPSLosAngeles, like all BAPS Mandirs worldwide, serves as a symbol of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities. https://t.co/iC76bHUPM9
— BAPS Los Angeles (@bapslosangeles) March 9, 2025
This comes months after the BAPS temple in California’s Sacramento was desecrated. In September, graffiti with expletives appeared on the temple premises. Shortly before the Sacramento incident, another BAPS temple in Melville, New York, was defaced.
After the video of a BMW driver in Pune stepping out of his luxury sedan to urinate in public went viral, the accused posted a video apologizing for his act. Gaurav Ahuja later surrendered before the cops and was taken into custody by the Pune Police.
The video that dropped yesterday showed Mr Ahuja stopping his BMW in the middle of the road. He stepped out and urinated near the divider. Another man, seen inside the car holding a beer bottle, was later identified as Bhagyesh Oswal.
Despite people moving away with disgust, an unbothered Mr Ahuja finished his job and sped away in his car. The cops suspected the accused was drunk at that time. A video of the incident later went viral on social media.
Sensing trouble, he apologized for his act in the video and said he would surrender.
“I am Gaurav Ahuja, what I did in public was very wrong. I apologise to the public, police department and Shinde Saheb. Give me a chance, I’m sorry. Don’t bother any of my family members. I will surrender at the Yerwada police station in the next eight hours,” Mr Ahuja said with folded hands.
It’s not clear if the “Shinde Saheb” mention referred to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
While Mr Oswal was arrested around 11 pm, Mr Ahuja surrendered at a police station in Karad. Both were taken for a medical checkup this morning to confirm if they were drunk at the time of the incident. Cops will produce Mr Ahuja in court later today.
The police have filed a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act for public nuisance, rash and negligent driving, causing danger on public roads and other offences.