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Fourth Hindu temple vandalized in US in less than a year
Community calls for action as hateful graffiti found on a BAPS temple in Indiana.
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 13, Aug 2025
- 01:36 EDT
- 18
Grab from a video posted by HAF shows vandalized BAPS temple in Indiana. / X/@HinduAmerican
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, was vandalized with hateful graffiti, marking the fourth desecration of a Hindu temple in less than a year. The incident, which occurred this week, is under investigation by local police.
BAPS confirmed the vandalism in a statement, calling it “a hateful act” and noting the repeated targeting of the site. “For the 4th time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated by a hateful act,” the organisation said. “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.”
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 Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) August 12, 2025
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) described the incident as part of a broader trend. “Another day—another American Hindu temple attacked—this time in Greenwood, Indiana. The sign of the BAPS temple was found vandalized with a ‘message of hate’,” the group said. It urged police to treat the case as a hate crime and “study this crime against the background of a growing national problem.”
CoHNA noted this was the seventh physical attack on American Hindu temples since December 2023, warning that for the minority Hindu community in the United States, “freedom of religion feels like an increasingly hollow promise.” The statement added, “When our places of worship are attacked with impunity, where does a Hindu go for religious ceremonies, for spiritual solace and for community? It is time for lawmakers and law enforcement leaders across the country to urgently study and address this issue.”
Another day-another American Hindu temple attacked - this time in Greenwood Indiana. The sign of the BAPs temple was found vandalized with a 'message of hate'.
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) August 12, 2025
We understand local police are investigating and we urge them to treat this as a hate crime and to study this crime… pic.twitter.com/rDdPemyMNo
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) linked the incident to anti-India activism. “Vandalizing temples with anti-India graffiti is a tactic often used by pro-Khalistan separatist activists,” the group said. It described the attack as “a stark reminder of how slurring American Hindus as ‘Hindutva’ fuels hate like this” and called on elected officials to “move beyond empty condemnations and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
BREAKING| For the 4th time in less than a year, a Hindu Mandir (temple) has been desecrated—this time the @BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) August 12, 2025
Vandalizing temples with anti-India graffiti is a tactic often used by pro-Khalistan separatist activists—and a stark reminder of how slurring… pic.twitter.com/bqH6y1kq9c
U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi condemned the attack, noting, “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.”
Representative Nick LaLota also reacted, saying, “Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable. Live and let live!”
Police have not yet released details on suspects or motives, but community organizations continue to press for stronger measures to protect places of worship.
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