Hoardings with Lord Ram's photographs desecrated in Rajasthan's Jalore, act caught in video
Jalore, Rajasthan, India 
19 April, 2024
Case Summary
On April 20, 2024, two election officials, Vijay Mali and Somendra Gehlot, were accused of disrespecting hoardings featuring Lord Ram in Jalore, Rajasthan. They tore down the hoardings with Lord Ram's photographs, an act caught on video that went viral online. Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), condemned the incident and demanded strict punishment for the accused officials. They submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate/District Election Officer of Jalore, stating that the incident occurred at Ambedkar Circle in Jalore City. The VHP questioned whether the officials' actions, purportedly done in the name of the election code of conduct, were permissible and accused them of intentionally disrespecting Hindu sentiments. They demanded the immediate suspension of Vijay Mali and Somendra Gehlot, threatening agitation if action was not taken promptly.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
According to the case details, the sub-category 'desecration of Hindu religious symbol' under the core category 'attack on Hindu religious symbols' has been selected here. 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. In this case, the perpetrators displayed deep disdain for the Hindu faith by tearing the posters with Lord Ram's pictures printed on them. This act underscored the deep-rooted hatred the accused harboured towards Hinduism. Given that the fundamental motivation behind this incident is contempt for the Hindu religion, this instance has been added to the tracker under the following category.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
