ADVERTISEMENTs
Santa Clara DA urges vigilance during Hindu festival season
The PSA video message stresses safety as Hindu-Americans mark festive season
-
Staff Reporter - Mon, 29, Sep 2025
- 14:37 EDT
- 19
Sandip Patel and Shanthi Rajagopalan / Screengrab from YouTube (Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office)
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office released a public service announcement urging vigilance during the Hindu-American festival season, citing past incidents of crimes targeting the community.
The video features prosecutors Sandip Patel and Shanthi Rajagopalan, who reflect on their own festival experiences while encouraging residents to call 911 if they witness or suspect criminal activity.
Also read: American Hindus Against Defamation backs Georgia Senate Bill on Hinduphobia
“My Office will prosecute and hold accountable those who attack or target the Hindu community,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “We are here for you. I wish you a safe festival season filled with light, laughter, and love.”
The announcement follows a series of cases in recent years involving crimes against Hindu-Americans in the Bay Area. In 2022, a man was convicted of hate crimes after a violent spree in which at least 14 South Asian women were assaulted and jewelry was forcibly stolen from them.
Last year, prosecutors charged a man accused of breaking into Hindu temples, including three incidents at a Sunnyvale temple where more than $40,000 in donations was stolen.
Beyond Santa Clara County, California has seen a rise in anti-Hindu incidents. The California Department of Justice reported an increase in anti-Hindu hate crimes, from seven cases in 2023 to ten in 2024.
The DA’s Office said the PSA is part of ongoing outreach efforts to strengthen community trust, enhance safety measures at temples and gatherings, and encourage the timely reporting of crimes during the festival season.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login