A prominent Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California was vandalized with anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti on March 8, 2025, marking the latest in a series of similar incidents targeting Hindu places of worship across the United States [1].

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, California's largest Hindu temple, was defaced with the phrase 'Hindustan Murdabad' ('death to India/Hindus') and anti-Modi graffiti. San Bernardino Sheriff's officials are investigating the incident as a hate crime [2].

This incident follows several similar attacks on BAPS temples across the country, including vandalism in Melville, NY (September 2023), Sacramento, CA (September 2023), and Newark, CA (December 2023) [3].

'We do have security protocols in place, but such a violation still makes you think twice about how safe you really are, especially if you have young children,' said Mehul Patel, a temple volunteer [1].

The vandalism occurs amid broader tensions, with a planned Khalistan independence referendum scheduled for March 23 in Los Angeles. However, local Sikh groups have condemned the temple attacks [4].

Surveillance footage captured two suspects scoping and tagging the property. The temple, which serves nearly 1,000 daily visitors, responded with a peace prayer ceremony on March 9 [1].

India's External Affairs Ministry has called for 'stringent action' against those responsible and increased security at places of worship [2].