In a disturbing recurrence of religiously motivated vandalism, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti on August 10.
This marks the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the United States within the past year, allegedly carried out by pro-Khalistan extremists.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) have condemned the act, urging authorities to classify it as a hate crime. BAPS Public Affairs stated that the incident has only strengthened the community’s resolve to stand united against anti-religious behaviour.
The Indian Consulate in Chicago has denounced the desecration and is actively coordinating with local law enforcement. “Desecration of the main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, is reprehensible,” the Consulate posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Marmik Brahmbhatt, a BAPS volunteer, described the graffiti as “a message of hate and intolerance against Hindus.” The Greenwood Police Department has launched an investigation into the incident, classified as “criminal mischief.”
This latest attack follows similar acts in California and New York, raising concerns about the safety of Hindu places of worship across the U.S. Indian officials and advocacy groups are calling for stronger measures to protect religious institutions and hold perpetrators accountable.
