Greenwood: A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was reportedly defaced with anti-India graffiti, in what is being described as the fourth act of vandalism targeting the site in less than a year.

The incident occurred overnight on 10 August, according to a statement issued by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Volunteers at the temple have condemned the act, describing it as one of "hate and intolerance against Hindus."

What has the temple organisation said?

In a post on social media platform X, BAPS Public Affairs confirmed the incident and expressed resilience in the face of continued attacks: "For the 4th time in less than a year, our Mandir 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 organisation has consistently called for peace and unity in response to rising anti-Hindu incidents in the United States.

This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on Hindu places of worship in the US, several of which have been linked to pro-Khalistani groups. Earlier this year, on 9 March, another BAPS temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalised ahead of a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles.

In response to that incident, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation, urging US authorities to take urgent action.

The Greenwood attack marks the fourth incident at the same temple in under 12 months, fuelling concerns about targeted hate crimes against the Hindu community in the US.