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Key Points

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Indiana. This marks the fourth anti-Hindu hate crime targeting temples in the US within a year. US lawmakers, including Congressmen Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi, have denounced the act and called for accountability. The incident has reignited concerns over rising religious intolerance in the US.

Key Points: India Condemns BAPS Temple Desecration in Indiana as Reprehensible

  • India's Chicago Consulate condemns vandalism at BAPS Temple
  • Fourth anti-Hindu desecration in the US this year
  • US lawmakers demand accountability for hate crimes
  • BAPS vows unity against rising religious bigotry
3 min read

US: India's Consulate General in Chicago condemns desecration of BAPS temple, calls it reprehensible

India's Chicago Consulate slams vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, calls for swift action amid rising anti-Hindu hate crimes in the US.

"Desecration of main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana is reprehensible. – Consulate General of India, Chicago"

Chicago, August 13

The Consulate General of India in Chicago on Wednesday strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, involving the vandalism of the temple's main signboard, marking the fourth such anti-Hindu act of desecration against a temple in the US in the past year.

Describing the act as "reprehensible", the Consulate, in a statement on X, confirmed that it was in close contact with the local Hindu community and had taken up the matter with US law enforcement agencies, urging swift action against those responsible.

"Desecration of 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 and local leadership including Hon'ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity & solidarity and vigilance against miscreants there," the Consulate stated.

Earlier, the Public Affairs division of the socio-spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, called the act a "hate crime" and reaffirmed the community's commitment to stand united against anti-religious bigotry.

"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 behaviour," it stated in a post on X.

US Congressman Nick LaLota also condemned the act, stating, "Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable. Live and let live!" in a post on X.

US Congressman Tom Suozzi also condemned the act, urging the prosecution of the perpetrators and further calling out "hatred and bigotry".

"This is the third hateful attack on a BAPS Temple. We must prosecute the perpetrators and educate against hate. We must all call out hatred and bigotry when we see it," Suozzi stated in a post on X.

This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, drawing sharp condemnation from Indian authorities and community organisations.

Earlier this year, on March 9, India strongly condemned the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California.

Reacting to the incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the act "despicable" and urged US law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against those responsible.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an American, I'm deeply embarrassed by these acts. Our country was built on religious freedom. The perpetrators must be caught and punished severely. Solidarity with our Hindu brothers and sisters.
A
Ananya R
Fourth attack in a year? This is getting ridiculous. Indian government should put more pressure through diplomatic channels. Our NRIs work so hard to build these beautiful temples - can't let hooligans destroy them.
M
Michael C
While I condemn this act, I wonder if some Indian groups are being too quick to label every incident as "hate crime." Could some be random vandalism? We need facts before jumping to conclusions.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to see our mandirs targeted like this 😢 The BAPS community does so much charity work globally. This intolerance needs to stop. Kudos to our Consulate for quick response!
K
Karthik V
Why isn't this getting more media coverage? If this was done to any other religious place, it would be front page news. Double standards much? Time for Hindu community to unite and demand justice.

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