A temple in Greenwood, Indiana, has been desecrated, allegedly by pro-Khalistani extremists. This is the fourth attack on a BAPS temple in the US in less than a year. This is a Hindu temple of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said the temple’s walls were defaced with anti-India and anti-Prime Minister Narendra Modi graffiti.
HAF, an advocacy group, linked the desecration to pro-Khalistan extremists. Meanwhile, another group, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), urged authorities to classify the incident as the fourth such hate crime.
BAPS Public Affairs, in a social media post, said the latest incident has only strengthened the community's resolve to stand united against anti-religious behavior.
"For the 4th time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated by a hateful act. The anti-Hindu hate crime against the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN has only strengthened our community's resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behavior," BAPS said in the post on X on Tuesday.
The Hindu American Foundation denounced the incident, attributing it to pro-Khalistan extremists known for employing similar methods previously.
The Consulate General of India in Chicago said it was in touch with the local community and law enforcement agencies.
"Desecration of the main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana is reprehensible. The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with law enforcement authorities for prompt action. Today Consul General addressed a gathering of devotees," wrote the Consulate General of India in Chicago, US on X.
(Post on X)
"For the 4th time in less than a year, a Hindu Mandir (temple) has been desecrated—this time the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN. Vandalising temples with anti-India graffiti is a tactic often used by pro-Khalistan separatist activists—and a stark reminder of how slurring American Hindus as 'Hindutva' fuels hate like this," the Hindu American Foundation said in a post.
The group also urged officials to act beyond condemnations to hold the attackers accountable.
"It's time elected officials move beyond empty condemnations and ensure perpetrators are held accountable," it added.
The group posted a video with the post, revealing temple walls defaced with graffiti expressing anti-India messages.
The temple's walls were desecrated on August 10, according to BAPS.
