Idol of Bajrang Bali desecrated in a temple
Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, India 
7 April, 2023
Case Summary
An idol of Bajrang Bali was vandalised by an unknown miscreant in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh on April 8, 2023. The miscreants had vandalised the idol of Bajrang Bali in the face. A tribal man living near the temple also confirmed that there was some movement in the temple at night. People described this as an act of inciting religious sentiments. An FIR has been lodged against an unidentified person.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
Icons and symbols or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal are widely revered in Hinduism. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Since these Hindu religious symbols hold paramount importance in Hinduism, any desecration of symbols, icons, murtis, religious representations and manifestations, is driven by animosity towards the faith itself which manifests itself through these murtis, icons and symbols. Therefore, any desecration of these Hindu religious symbols and representations is considered religiously motivated hate crimes under this category. It is important to note in this case that according to the last update in the media, the miscreants who vandalised the idol were unknown. However, the desecration of an idol is a hate crime regardless of the identity of the perpetrator since it is a result of religious animosity towards the Hindu faith and also, the desecration of a place of worship. This case is therefore being added to the hate crime database.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
