The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill, Sydney was vandalized by anti-social elements on Friday. The incident involved anti-India graffiti on the walls and a Khalistani flag hanging on the gate. The temple reported the matter to the New South Wales police. It is not yet known when the incident took place. The temple authorities and Member of Parliament for Parramatta, Andrew Charlton, helped to repaint the wall.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has been a cornerstone of the local community and a prominent Hindu Temple, which promotes peace, harmony, and universal Hindu values. The temple authorities expressed their disappointment that BAPS temples in Australia have been targeted. In March, Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of frequent attacks on Hindu Temples during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India.
The NSW police spokesperson said that an investigation has been initiated following reports of malicious damage to a religious site in Rosehill. Earlier this year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalized by Khalistani supporters.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Sydney for the QUAD summit on May 24. During his visit, he will raise concerns about the attacks on Hindu Temples in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese had earlier assured Modi that Australia will not tolerate attacks on religious places and that anyone responsible for such activities will face the full force of the law.
