California Hindu Temple Vandalized with Anti-India, Pro-Khalistan Graffiti

Authorities Investigate as Hate Crime, Lawmakers and State Department Condemn the Act

Authorities are investigating the vandalism of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in Newark, California, as a possible hate crime. The temple was defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti.
Several lawmakers, including Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), have condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
The US State Department and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco have also condemned the vandalism and called for a thorough investigation.
The Newark Police Department is collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice.
This incident follows a series of targeted acts against Indian establishments abroad, including an attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco by Khalistani supporters and the defacement of a Hindu temple in British Columbia, Canada, with Khalistan referendum posters.