US: Hindu temple defaced in Indiana, fourth incident reported this year

The incident took place in the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood City.

BAPS Public Affairs confirmed the development and wrote on X: "For the 4th 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, IN has only strengthened our community’s resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behavior."

The Indian Consulate in Chicago said it has informed the authorities about the incident.

The Consulate wrote on X: "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 and local leadership including Hon’ble Mayor of Greenwood, calling for unity & solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants there."

US Congressman Nick LaLota  condemned the incident and wrote on X: "Religiously motivated crimes like these must be condemned and those who commit them must be held accountable."

In March, a BAPS Hindu temple was desecrated by unknown men in California.