A Hindu temple in Newark was found vandalized with graffiti on Friday morning, in what authorities are investigating as a potential hate crime.
The defacement of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple appears to have been a targeted act, according to the Newark Police Department, citing the content of the graffiti. Temple leaders told investigators that the vandalism appeared aimed at intimidating them, police said.
“Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias are considered very serious and given very high priority,” the police department said in a news release. “Officers are investigating, collecting evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses in order to establish the chain of events and bring those responsible to justice.”
Police were told at 8:35 a.m. Friday of the vandalism at the temple, 36665 Cedar Blvd.
The incident prompted a response Friday from the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, which urged a “quick investigation and prompt action” by local authorities in a statement posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.
“We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti,” the post read. “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Newark Police Investigations Unit Detective Sergeant Yama Homayoun at 510-578-4920, or via email at [email protected]. Tips also can be left anonymously on the “Anonymous Tip” hotline at 510-578-4965.
