NEW YORK, Aug 13: A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was vandalized in a hate-motivated incident, with its main signboard defaced—marking the fourth such attack on a BAPS Swaminarayan temple in under a year.
The temple’s public affairs office described the act as “hateful,” while the Indian Consulate in Chicago condemned it as “reprehensible.” The consulate said it has raised the matter with local law enforcement and urged prompt action. The Consul General also addressed a community gathering, including the Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity and vigilance against such acts.
The temple administration stated the incident had strengthened the community’s resolve to stand united against anti-religious behavior. In a similar incident in March, a BAPS temple in California was also desecrated by unidentified individuals.
The series of attacks has sparked concern among the Indian-American community and officials, prompting calls for increased awareness and protection of religious institutions in the U.S. (AP)
