Signboard of US Hindu temple defaced, Indian consulate protests

NEW YORK: The signboard of a Hindu temple was defaced in the US city of Indiana, an incident described by the Indian consulate as "reprehensible". The "hateful act" took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood city, the temple's public affairs account said in an X post on Tuesday. This was the fourth time in less than a year that a BAPS temple has been targeted, it said.

The Indian Consulate in Chicago took strong note of the act and called it "reprehensible". The consulate added that it has raised the matter with the law enforcement authorities. It said that the consul general also addressed a gathering of devotees and local leadership, "calling for unity & solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants."

The temple administration said the "act has strengthened our community's resolve, and we remain united in our stand against anti-religious behaviour."