On May 5, 2023, a Hindu BAPS Swaminarayan temple (Bochaneswar Akshar Purushottam Sanstha) in Rosehill, Sydney, Australia, was defaced by anti-social elements. The walls of the temple were filled with anti-India graffiti.
According to Australia Today newspaper, the temple authorities also found a Khalistani Flag hanging on the temple gate and reported this to New South Wales Police.
“We are deeply saddened by the anti-India graffiti on the walls of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill, Sydney, by anti-social elements.” the temple authorities expressed in their statement.
“We are further disheartened that the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs in Australia have been targeted. For the last 23 years, the BAPS temple has been a cornerstone of the local community and a prominent Hindu Temple which, like all BAPS temples worldwide, is a symbol of harmony, equality, peace, selfless service and universal Hindu values.”
Australia Today reported that Parramatta Andrew Charlton reached the BAPS temple spot after being informed of the Hindu hate incident. Along with the temple authorities, Charlton helped them repaint the walls.
Paramatta said, “This morning the BAPS temple in my electorate of Parramatta was vandalised by religious extremists. I am deeply shocked and saddened by this act of mindless vandalism. Everyone in Australia has the right to practise their faith in peace,” he said.
The temple authorities continued- “At this time, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha prays for peace and unity and has appealed to all devotees and well-wishers in the community to maintain peace. We are thankful for the local police command, Department of Home Affairs, Indian High Commission, State and Federal members of the Parliament and the Consul General of Sydney for continued support,” the temple said.
“BAPS temples across Australia are symbols of a thriving multi-cultural society that nurture Australian values of respect, mateship and tolerance. We request everyone to join in worldwide prayers that God blesses and guides us all to continue to do good and think good of all,” it said.
According to NSW Police Spokesperson, “Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command have commenced an investigation following reports of damage to a religious site in Rosehill.” “Police are conducting inquiries into circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Earlier in 2023, three Hindu temples in Melbourne and two Hindu temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan Supporters.
PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Sydney for the QUAD Summit on May 24, 2023. In March 2023, during PM Anthony Albanese’s visit to India, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of frequent attacks on Hindu Temples with him and conveyed his concerns.
Anthony Albanese assured Modi that Australia would not tolerate attacks on religious places and that anyone responsible for such activities would face the brunt and full force of the law.
