Reprehensible’: Pro-Khalistan Elements Vandalise BAPS Temple in US, Indian Consulate Responds
The Hindu American Foundation has urged elected representatives to “move beyond empty condemnations” and take strict action against those behind the desecration.
A Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Greenwood, Indiana — a city in Johnson County, United States — was allegedly desecrated by pro-Khalistan separatists, the Hindu American Foundation said on Tuesday.
According to the Foundation, the walls of the Hindu temple were defaced with anti-India and anti-Prime Minister Narendra Modi graffiti. In a post on X, the group called upon elected officials to take firm action instead of issuing mere statements of condemnation.
The Foundation noted that this was the fourth incident of temple desecration in less than a year.
“For the 4th time in under a year, a Hindu Mandir has been desecrated — this time the @BAPS Mandir in Greenwood, IN. Vandalising temples with anti-India graffiti is a tactic often used by pro-Khalistan separatist activists — and a stark reminder of how branding American Hindus as ‘Hindutva’ fuels hate like this. It’s time elected officials act decisively and hold the perpetrators accountable,” the group said, sharing a video of the vandalism.
The Consulate General of India in Chicago strongly condemned the incident, calling it “reprehensible,” and said it had taken up the matter with local authorities for prompt action.
“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 for swift action. Today, the Consul General addressed devotees and local leaders, including the Hon’ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity, solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants,” the Consulate posted on X.
Earlier in March 2025, an iconic Hindu temple in Southern California was defaced with anti-Hindu and anti-Indian government graffiti. That incident was condemned by the Ministry of External Affairs, which urged strong action.
“We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon local law enforcement to take stringent action against those responsible and ensure adequate security for places of worship,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.
Other recent incidents include:
- September 2024: BAPS temple in Melville, New York, spray-painted with anti-India slogans.
- Nine days later: Temple near Sacramento targeted.
- December 2023: Newark, California temple attacked.
