Hindu sentiments outraged as miscreants desecrate revered Hindu king's statue in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh
Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, India 
24 March, 2026
Case Summary
In Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, the statue of a revered Hindu king, Maharana Pratap, was defiled and desecrated by an unknown miscreant. The controversy arose after a video surfaced on social media showing a man climbing the statue installed at Karhal Chauraha. The incident occurred on the night of 25 March 2026, when the man was seen climbing onto the sacred statue and standing on the horse. During this act, he poured beer over the statue. The video of the incident quickly went viral, prompting strong public outrage. Locals expressed anger and described the act as an insult to a revered Hindu historical figure. Following the video's circulation, demands from Hindu organisations were raised for strict action against the miscreant involved. The police stated that they had received the video and were working to identify the accused, adding that appropriate action would be taken once identification was confirmed.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case is added to the Hinduphobia Tracker under the primary category- Attack on Hindu religious representations. The subcategory selected 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 a religiously motivated hate crime under this category. This case was included in the Hinduphobia Tracker because a revered Hindu king's statue was deliberately desecrated and defiled in a public space, triggering anger and hurt among Hindus. The act was not accidental; rather, it involved climbing the statue of Maharana Pratap and pouring beer over it. Such conduct directly insulted a figure deeply respected in the Hindu community, thereby wounding religious sentiments and disturbing the sense of dignity attached to shared cultural icons. Maharana Pratap held a place of immense reverence among Hindus as a symbol of resistance, honour, and unwavering commitment to dharma. He was not merely a historical king but a civilisational figure who embodied courage against oppression. He fought against brutal Islamic invasions of India and protected the native Hindu community, their temples and women. Therefore, any act targeting his representation, like public statues, went beyond physical damage; it struck at a figure who inspired pride, identity, and continuity within the Hindu community. Moreover, the manner of the act clearly amounted to desecration. Climbing onto the statue and pouring alcohol over it was a deliberate act of disrespect. In Hindu tradition, purity and reverence are central to how such figures and symbols are treated. The use of alcohol in this context was particularly offensive, as it inverted the expected norms of respect and sanctity, thereby amplifying the insult. Furthermore, such actions were not isolated in impact. When a public symbol associated with Hindu reverence was defiled by the use of impure substances like alcohol in this manner, it created a wider sense of humiliation and vulnerability among Hindus. It signalled that their icons could be openly disrespected, which deepened feelings of insecurity and collective hurt. Taken together, the targeted nature of the act, the choice of a deeply revered figure, and the method of defilement demonstrated clear disrespect towards Hindu beliefs and symbols. Consequently, the incident fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the tracker as it reflected hostility expressed through the desecration of a Hindu figure revered and held sacred by the Hindu community. Therefore, this case is being added to the hate crime database of the Hinduphobia Tracker.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
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