Chicago
The Consulate General of India in Chicago has strongly condemned the desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana. The temple’s main signboard was vandalised, marking the fourth such anti-Hindu act against a US temple in the past year.
Calling the incident “reprehensible,” the Consulate said it is in close contact with the local Hindu community and has urged US law enforcement agencies to act swiftly. Consul General addressed devotees, local leaders, and Greenwood’s Mayor, stressing unity, solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha described the act as a “hate crime,” reaffirming its determination to stand united against anti-religious bigotry. “For the fourth time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated. This hate crime only strengthens our resolve,” the organisation stated.
US Congressman Nick LaLota condemned the incident, saying religiously motivated crimes must be punished. Congressman Tom Suozzi called it the third attack on a BAPS temple, urging prosecution of perpetrators and stronger efforts to counter hatred and bigotry.
This latest incident follows similar attacks on Hindu temples across the US. Earlier this year, India condemned vandalism at a temple in California. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had called that act “despicable” and pressed US authorities for strict action.
The Greenwood incident has intensified calls for greater protection of places of worship and community solidarity in the face of rising religious intolerance.
