Indian Consulate Seeks Prompt Action Over Graffiti at BAPS Temple in Indiana

August 13, 2025

Chicago: The Indian Consulate in Chicago on August 12 urged swift investigation into the desecration of the main signboard at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, calling the act reprehensible. The consul general said he had spoken with law enforcement and addressed the temple community, including Greenwood’s mayor, emphasizing unity, solidarity, and vigilance against miscreants.

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…

— India in Chicago (@IndiainChicago) August 12, 2025

CoHNA notes that three such incidents have occurred in the United States this year. The Greenwood incident happened around midnight on August 10, just before Krishna Janmashtami on August 16, with spray-painted hateful messages targeting Hindus on the temple’s outdoor sign.

A BAPS volunteer told IndyStar that the graffiti represented a message of hate and intolerance toward Hindus and was removed after Greenwood Police were informed. CoHNA urged lawmakers and law enforcement nationwide to address the issue, highlighting concerns that religious freedom for minority Hindu communities feels increasingly at risk when places of worship are attacked with impunity.