Idol of Goddess Lakshmi vandalised in West Bengal
Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, India 
15 October, 2024
Case Summary
On October 16, during Lakshmi Puja celebrations, an act of vandalism in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, sparked outrage. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari shared a video of the incident on social media, showing a damaged idol of Maa Lakshmi at the Bawali Rathtala Puja Committee site. Adhikari voiced concerns that West Bengal, under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, was increasingly facing religious tensions similar to incidents seen in Bangladesh. He referenced recent instances in Garden Reach, Kolkata, and Shyampur, Howrah, and noted that Hindu communities felt their right to worship was threatened. He also criticized the state government, stating a political climate of appeasement, citing a lack of arrests and police action even after previous incidents, such as the vandalism of a Durga idol at the same location a few years ago. Adhikari called on Hindus to remain vigilant, warning that inaction could jeopardize their religious practices at home, terming the situation the "Diamond Harbour Model in Lakshmi Puja."
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the hate tracker under the prime category of 'Attack on Hindu religious symbols'. Under this, the sub-category chosen is- Desecration of Hindu religious symbol. 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. Hinduism reveres and regards its deities as sacrosanct. The vandalism of idols is driven by deep-seated animosity and deliberately insulting against Hinduism and is therefore listed in the hate tracker. It is also important to mention here that though the last update was that the miscreants were unknown, regardless, the action stemmed out of hatred against Hinduism and resulted in the desecration of the sacred temple and would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
