RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - At approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, Rancho Cordova Police Department officers and Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple, to the report of graffiti and property damage.

Officers and deputies arrived on scene and observed graffiti on the temple’s marquee signage and paved driveway on the temple property, with hateful messaging directed at Hindus. They also discovered water pipes near the building had been intentionally cut and severely damaged.

Based on their investigation, the incident was classified as a hate crime. Detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit, which investigates hate crimes in Sacramento County, responded to the scene and began their investigation. Allied State and Federal law enforcement agencies were also notified of the incident and will assist with the investigation. Detectives learned the vandalism was committed overnight and a video of the incident was posted online on social media. The investigation is in its early stages and no suspect(s) have been identified.

If you have information about this incident, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP (4357). Tips leading to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 and tipsters remain anonymous. Tips are paid in cash and you are never asked for identification. Contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP (4357), 1-800-AA-CRIME or **TIPS. Use the “P3 TIPS” app or online at www.sacvalleycrimestoppers.com.

Tip information can also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling 916-874-TIPS (8477).