Hindu religious event disrupted following violent threat from Muslim man in West Bengal
Bardhaman, West Bengal, India 
1 April, 2024
Case Summary
A Harinama Sankirtan, a Hindu religious event, in Kashthashali Market, under the Purbasthali Police Station in Purba Bardhaman district, was disrupted following a threat from a Muslim businessman. Reports confirmed that the event was traditionally organised annually during the Kali Mata Puja by the Bazaar Committee. The Harinama Sankirtan is a practice observed for the past 50 years, which was stopped due to threats. The organisers informed the Purbasthali Police Station about the situation. A police team was deployed to the Puja Mandap, and the Muslim businessman was called in for questioning. Following the intervention, the programme resumed on the evening of 5th April 2025 under police supervision. Amal Nath, Secretary of the Market Committee, confirmed the resumption of the programme and emphasised that Harinama Sankirtan had been an integral tradition for decades. The situation was brought under control, allowing the Hindu community to continue its long-standing cultural practice.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the primary category- Attack on Hindu religious representations. Within this, the subcategory selected is- Defiling religious customs. Sanatan Dharma is not a religion of one book, which is to say that while it has religious scriptures that form the central tenets of the faith, there are several traditions followed through thousands of years, mostly passed from generation to generation orally. There are several such customs and traditions that are followed by various Hindus and Hindu sects. Defiling of these traditions and customs is a breach of an individual or group’s religious practices. Such practices can range from dietary restrictions like not eating non-vegetarian food for a certain period of the year, not eating non-vegetarian food at all, not eating beef since the cow is considered holy in Hinduism, the sanctity of religious customs followed in the house (like many ISCKON devotees), etc. Any malicious action leading to the breach of such traditions or defilement of these traditions owing to animosity towards the faith or for the sake of activism stems not only from the lack of faith in the religion itself but also from disregard for the faith of the devotees who follow the customs/traditions and implicit bias against the faith, the tradition itself. Since these specific traditions are central to the faith of the devotees of that specific sect of Hindus, any non-compliance with these traditional rules would be considered a religiously motivated hate crime. This case is a clear instance of a hate crime against Hindus, motivated by religious animosity. Harinam Sankirtan, an essential devotional practice in Hinduism, involves the congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Vishnu/Krishna, fostering spiritual purification, peace, and unity among Hindu devotees. It has been organised as a sacred tradition in the Kashthashali market area for many years, closely connected with the Kali Puja, an important Hindu festival honouring the goddess Kali. This ritual serves as a powerful spiritual expression and a cornerstone of the Hindu community’s religious identity. However, this sacred ritual was disrupted when a Muslim businessman issued violent threats to the organisers, causing the event to be halted. This act of intimidation desecrated a revered event that held deep significance for the Hindu community. The deliberate disturbance and intimidating behaviour exhibited by the perpetrator display clear hostility and disrespect towards Hindu beliefs and practices. Such conduct demonstrates religious animosity and constitutes an attack on the peaceful practice of the Hindu faith. Events such as these inflict harm beyond the immediate moment, causing fear and insecurity throughout the Hindu community. The targeted disruption and intimidation undermine their right to freely and safely celebrate their religious traditions. This fear fosters a sense of vulnerability and marginalisation among Hindus, underscoring the religiously motivated nature of the crime. Therefore, this case is being added to the hate crime database as an example of religiously motivated hostility against Hindus and their faith.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
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