A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana (USA), has been allegedly vandalised with anti-India graffiti by Khalistanis, marking the fourth such desecration of the site in less than a year.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir confirmed the incident occurred overnight on 10 August, with volunteers describing it as an act of “hate and intolerance against Hindus.”
Marmik Brahmbhatt, a temple volunteer, said the graffiti was reported to the Greenwood Police Department and quickly removed. “This is a hate crime,” Brahmbhatt told IndyStar noting that the mandir is one of only a handful of Hindu places of worship in Indiana, serving 200–250 devotees each Sunday.
The Hindu American Foundation condemned the attack, linking it to pro-Khalistan extremists who have used such tactics in the past. The organisation warned that vilifying American Hindus as “Hindutva” contributes to an atmosphere that fuels hate crimes.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing national trend. “Another day – another American Hindu temple attacked, this time in Greenwood, Indiana,” CoHNA said.
COHNA added: “This marks the seventh physical attack on American Hindu temples since December 2023. For the minority Hindu community in the US, freedom of religion feels like an increasingly hollow promise.”
“When our places of worship are attacked with impunity, where does a Hindu go for spiritual solace and community? It is time for lawmakers and law enforcement leaders across the country to urgently study and address this issue.”
Greenwood police have opened an investigation into “criminal mischief,” but no further details have been released.
Temple leaders will hold a peace prayer service on 12 August, with Greenwood mayor Mark Myers and other public officials expected to attend. The mandir said in a statement:
“We will continue to pray for peace and harmony amongst people of all backgrounds and beliefs.”
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis also condemned the vandalism, urging communities to respond to rising intolerance with “curiosity, respect, empathy and compassion.”
The incident is the third attack on a Hindu place of worship in the United States this year, according to the Coalition of Hindus of North America, and comes just days before Krishna Janmashtami celebrations begin on 16 August.
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