NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Melville, NY, September 16, 2024: The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, became the target of a hate crime when it was vandalized with derogatory anti-Modi and anti-India messages. The incident, which occurred sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning, has prompted a hate crime investigation by the Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit.
The temple, located at 2 Deshon Drive, had its driveway and sign spray-painted with graffiti. Suffolk police confirmed the vandalism, describing it as a serious criminal act that damaged the temple’s property. The incident is being treated as a hate crime due to the nature of the messages, which were aimed at India and PM Modi.
In response to the vandalism, the Consulate General of India in New York condemned the act on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable.” The Consulate added that they are in contact with the community and have raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement, urging for prompt action against those responsible for the “heinous act.”
The attack has sparked concern ahead of a major event at the nearby Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a large gathering on September 22.
The investigation is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
