Hindu temple defaced in US, India seeks strict action

In USA, a Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, has been allegedly vandalised with anti-India graffiti by Khalistanis, marking the fourth such desecration of the site in less than a year. The "hateful act" took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood City on August 10, according to the temple's official public affairs account. The Public Affairs division of the socio-spiritual organisation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, also called the act a "hate crime" and reaffirmed the community's commitment to stand united against anti-religious bigotry.

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.
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

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) August 12, 2025

The Indian Consulate in Chicago took strong note of the incident, calling it "reprehensible". In a statement, the consulate noted that the main signboard of the temple was defaced and called for vigilance against troublemakers in the temple area.

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…

— India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) August 12, 2025

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.”

Marmik Brahmbhatt, a temple volunteer, said the graffiti was reported to the Greenwood Police Department and quickly removed. Greenwood police have opened an investigation into “criminal mischief,” but no further details have been released.