Houston, July 19 (PTI): A signboard for a planned Hindu temple in North Carolina has been fired at, leaving over 60 holes on it and shocking the Indian community.

The incident happened between July 4 noon and about 1pm last Saturday, the Forsyth county sheriff's office, which is probing the incident, said.

A member of the sheriff's office found empty shell casings near the signboard consistent with bird shot being fired twice or thrice from a shotgun. The signboard suffered damage worth $200.

The Om Hindu Organisation of North Carolina is planning to build a 3,600-square-foot temple in Clemmons and has bought 7.6 acres at the site.

In a statement, it said: "We as American people are fighting hate.... We have no doubts... we will be able to practice our religion and live peacefully... and work towards a pluralistic society."

The group said it would proceed with its temple plan.