In what is being investigated as a hate crime, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Rancho Cordova, was defaced with hate-filled graffiti on Wednesday morning. Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers and deputies were summoned to the religious site around 9 AM, where they also found that water pipes near the temple had been purposefully damaged.
While the authorities continue their investigation, with Sacramento County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit taking the helm, the heinous vandalism came to light seemingly overnight. The culprits remain at large, managed to post a video of their acts on social media, with detectives working closely with State and Federal law enforcement agencies in hopes of identifying those responsible.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward, stating that tips leading to an arrest could earn a monetary reward of up to $1000. Those wishing to provide tips may do so anonymously and are encouraged to use the "P3 TIPS" app or contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers through their website or by calling, their identity never being asked for.
