The signboard was removed after the matter was reported to the Greenwood Police on August 11, which is being investigated by the authorities, as per BAPS spokesperson, reported IndyStar, a news portal affiliated with USA Today network.
Indian authorities demand swift actionThe action has drawn a sharp response from the Indian mission to the US. The Consulate General of India in Chicago said that the incident is “reprehensible” and demanded “prompt action” from the local authorities.
“Desecration of the 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,” the Consulate said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on August 13.
“Today, Consul General addressed a gathering of devotees and local leadership, including Hon’ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity and solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants there,” it added.
Temple appeals for peace
The temple has appealed for peace and harmony, stating that it had reported the matter to the law enforcement authorities. “We are deeply saddened that on the night of Aug 10, 2025, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood, IN was desecrated and vandalised with a message of hate and intolerance. We have reported this hate crime to law enforcement,” the temple said in a statement as an “Appeal for Peace” on its website.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of neighbours, public officials, community members, and leaders against all forms of hate. We will continue to pray for peace and harmony amongst people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” it added.
BAPS public affairs account on X said, “For the fifth time in less than a year, one of our Mandirs has been desecrated by a hateful act. The anti-Hindu hate crime against the BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, Indiana, has only strengthened our community’s resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behaviour.”
Video of vandalism shared on social media
A video of the vandalism was shared on X. The video shows the signboard of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Mandir, written with “Hind-stan Modi Murdabad” with black spray paint.
Baps Swaminarayan Mandir Greenwood INDIANA HIT with “Hindu-Stan Modi Murdabad” @IndiainChicago @CoHNAOfficial @punet_sahani 15 august pic.twitter.com/Ad2sIsWkqE
– Waniya (@ Waniya510630) August 11, 2025
Third such attack on Hindus in 2025
The BAPS temple’s desecration is the third such attack on the Hindu religious sites in 2025, according to the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) organisation.
Earlier on June 18, structural damage due to gunshots was reported at ISKCON temple in Utah. The devotees were present at the temple when multiple gunshots were reportedly fired.
On March 8, a BAPS temple in Southern California was vandalised with anti-India messages.
In 2023, eight such attacks on Hindu temples and sites were reported.
“We understand local police are investigating and we urge them to treat this as a hate crime and to study this crime against the background of a growing national problem,” the CoHNA wrote in a statement on X.
“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 religious ceremonies, for spiritual solace and for community?” it added.
US Congress Members voice support for Hindus
Tom Suozzi, Member of Congress, who represents New York’s third Congressional District, said that the “hateful attack” on the BAPS temple must be held accountable. “We must prosecute the perpetrators and educate against hate. We must all call out hatred and bigotry when we see it,” he said on X while sharing a video clip of his speech on the matter in the House.
This is the third hateful attack on a BAPS Temple. We must prosecute the perpetrators and educate against hate.
We must all call out hatred and bigotry when we see it. pic.twitter.com/928xxIPdGP– Tom Suozzi (@reptomsuozzi) August 11, 2025
Another Congressman Nick LaLota came in support of the Hindu community by stating, “Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable. Live and let live!” on X.
