Hindu BAPS Temple in Indiana Vandalized with Anti-India Graffiti: Khalistani Elements Suspected in Fourth Attack on U.S. Hindu Temples
On the night of August 10, 2025, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, became the latest target in a disturbing wave of attacks on Hindu temples across the United States. The temple’s welcome sign, located off US-31, was defaced with black spray paint bearing the hateful message “Hindustan, Modi Murdabad,” translating to “Death to Hindustan and Modi,” a clear attack on India and its Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident, labeled a hate crime by temple leaders and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), marks the fourth vandalism of a BAPS temple in the U.S. in less than a year, with suspicions pointing to Khalistani separatist elements. At Hindutone.com, we explore this alarming trend, its impact on the Hindu American community, and the urgent call for justice.
A Shocking Act of Vandalism
The vandalism was discovered on the morning of August 11, just hours after a weekly congregational meeting at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a vibrant spiritual hub for 200–250 devotees in Greenwood, Indiana. Marmik Brahmbhatt, a longtime volunteer at the temple, expressed disbelief: “I was shocked that this could happen to our mandir. We have such a great relationship with the local community.” The graffiti, described as a “message of hate and intolerance against Hindus,” targeted the temple’s sign, a symbol of its welcoming presence in the Indianapolis suburb.
The Greenwood Police Department is investigating the incident as “criminal mischief,” but temple leaders and advocacy groups like the Hindu American Foundation have classified it as a hate crime, urging authorities to probe deeper. The timing, just days before the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami on August 16, has heightened the community’s distress, with devotees feeling both saddened and resolute in their commitment to peace.
A Pattern of Targeted Attacks
This incident is not isolated. It marks the fourth vandalism of a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the U.S. since September 2024, with similar attacks reported in Melville, New York (September 16, 2024), Sacramento, California (September 25, 2024), and Chino Hills, California (March 8, 2025). Each case involved anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti, including phrases like “Hindus go back,” “Modi is Terrorist,” and derogatory references to Hindustan. The Hindu American Foundation has linked these attacks to a rising tide of Hinduphobia, often conflating Hindu Americans with India’s government and the term “Hindutva,” a label misused to stoke division.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) reported that at least 12 Hindu temples of various denominations have been vandalized or burgled in the U.S. since 2022, signaling a broader pattern of religious intolerance. In Melville, New York, the BAPS temple was defaced just days before a community event titled “Modi and US,” suggesting a political motive. In Sacramento, vandals cut water lines in addition to spray-painting hateful messages, escalating the severity of the attacks.
Suspicion has fallen on Khalistani separatist elements, particularly after the Hindu American Foundation pointed to threats by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the banned “Sikhs for Justice” group, who recently posted a video targeting Hindu institutions. Posts on X have echoed concerns about Khalistani involvement, though investigations are ongoing and no perpetrators have been confirmed in the Indiana case.
Community Response: Unity in the Face of Hate
The BAPS community in Greenwood responded with resilience, holding a peace prayer service on August 12, attended by Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers, local officials, and interfaith leaders. “We will always have open doors for everyone and will pray for peace and harmony amongst all backgrounds and beliefs,” Brahmbhatt affirmed. The temple, which moved to a former church building in 2021, has been a pillar of the community, with its charity arm, BAPS Charities, hosting events like walkathons with the Greenwood Fire Department.
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis condemned the vandalism, calling for “curiosity, respect, empathy, and compassion” to counter hate. Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, representing Sacramento County, where a similar attack occurred, stated, “There is no place for religious bigotry in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance.” New York Congressman Tom Suozzi also denounced the Melville vandalism, emphasizing the Hindu greeting of “Namaste” as a symbol of recognizing divinity in all.
The Indian Consulate in New York condemned the Melville attack as “unacceptable,” raising the issue with U.S. authorities, and India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for “stringent action” against those responsible for the Chino Hills vandalism. These diplomatic efforts underscore India’s growing concern over the safety of Hindu Americans and their places of worship.
The Broader Context: Hinduphobia and Khalistani Narratives
The Hindu American Foundation has been vocal in demanding FBI and Justice Department investigations, arguing that the repeated targeting of Hindu temples reflects a deeper issue of Hinduphobia. HAF’s executive director, Suhag Shukla, emphasized the need to educate law enforcement about what anti-Hindu hate crimes look like, noting that slurs like “Hindutva” are weaponized to vilify Hindus. “This vandalism is a stark reminder of how slurring American Hindus as ‘Hindutva’ fuels hate,” HAF stated.
The term “Hindutva,” often misused to equate Hinduism with political extremism, has appeared in social media narratives alongside pro-Khalistani slogans like “Khalistan Zindabad.” The Khalistan movement, which seeks a separate Sikh state in India, has been linked to similar attacks in Canada, where the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was vandalized in July 2024. Canadian MP Chandra Arya voiced concerns about escalating hate-fueled violence against Hindu-Canadian communities, a sentiment echoed by Hindu Americans.
Ronak Patel, a BAPS spokesperson, noted that the organization’s prominence—operating over 100 spiritual centers in the U.S., including the largest Hindu temple, BAPS Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey—may make it a target. “When you target a BAPS place of worship, you’re targeting the largest group of Hindu places of worship in America,” he said. Despite this, BAPS remains committed to its non-political stance, welcoming non-Hindu visitors and political representatives alike.
A Call for Action: Protecting Hindu Americans
The Hindu community is calling for concrete steps to address this wave of hate:
- Strengthen Investigations: The FBI and local police must treat these incidents as hate crimes, not mere “criminal mischief,” and investigate potential Khalistani links.
- Enhance Security: Temples like BAPS in Greenwood are increasing security with guards and surveillance cameras. Community funding for such measures is critical.
- Raise Awareness: Advocacy groups like HAF and CoHNA are urging Hindus to report incidents and educate the public about Hinduphobia. Hindutone.com offers resources to support these efforts.
- Interfaith Solidarity: Collaboration with other faith communities, as seen in Greenwood’s prayer service, can foster unity and deter hate.
- Diplomatic Pressure: India’s government should continue pressing U.S. authorities to ensure the safety of Hindu Americans, as emphasized by Minister S. Jaishankar.
Resilience Amid Adversity
Despite the pain of seeing their sacred spaces defaced, the Hindu American community remains steadfast. The BAPS temple in Greenwood plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the Indianapolis area at the end of August, alongside Krishna Janmashtami, with undiminished spirit. “This has strengthened our beliefs that we are doing the right thing,” Brahmbhatt said. “We will stick to our values and foster the moral character of our community.”
For devotees like Anjali Patel, a 38-year-old Greenwood resident, the temple is a sanctuary of peace. “It hurts to see our mandir targeted, but Ganesha teaches us to overcome obstacles,” she says. “We’ll keep praying, keep serving, and keep believing in harmony.” Her words echo the sentiment of thousands who gathered for prayers across BAPS temples, from Indiana to California, standing united against hate.
Conclusion: A Stand Against Hate
The vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, is a stark reminder of the challenges Hindu Americans face in a climate of rising Hinduphobia. As the fourth such attack in less than a year, it underscores the need for swift justice and greater awareness. At Hindutone.com, we stand with the Hindu community, amplifying their voices and advocating for their safety. As investigations continue, we call on authorities, communities, and individuals to reject intolerance and protect the sanctity of all places of worship.
May Lord Swaminarayan guide us toward peace and unity. Visit Hindutone.com for updates on this story and resources for Hindu advocacy.
Related posts:
Tightening H-1B
Massive Blow to JeM: Masood Azhar’s Madrasa Destroyed in Bahawalpur Strike
Haridwar Tragedy: Six Lives Lost in Stampede at Mansa Devi Temple
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Indiana BAPS Temple to Celebrate with Devotional Prayers Despite Recent Vandalism
Gujarat’s Circular on Buddhism: Hindus Must Seek Permission for Conversion
Anonymous NRI’s ₹140 Crore Gold Donation to Tirumala: A Devotee’s Grand Gesture of Gratitude
︎
