Islamic symbol 786 written on the wall of a temple on Diwali
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India 
31 October, 2024
Case Summary
In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, tensions rose when the number "786" was found inscribed on a revered Devi Maa temple on Diwali. This temple, a significant centre of faith for nearby villages, became the focus of local anger, with residents demanding strict action against those responsible. Hindu organizations also pressed the Bareilly police to identify and take action against the culprits. Upon receiving the complaint, the police took prompt notice, launched an investigation and began necessary legal proceedings. To restore the temple's sanctity, authorities whitewashed the area, removing the mark and returning the temple to its original state. Although no arrests were made, the police assured the community that they were actively investigating to identify those involved.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been documented as a religious hate crime because the details clearly show that the offender had a bias against the Hindu faith and that the offence was performed in conjunction with that bias. Based on case details, it has been added under one prime category of the tracker, which is- 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. The number 786 in Islam denotes "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" - essentially, a salutation to Allah. Verses of the Quran start with this chant and there, this is an essential chant/religious epithet in Islam. For a Hindu temple to be desecrated with the 786 number is a attack on the temple and the sactity of the place of worship. Even though the attackers in this case are unknown, the act of a deliberately desecrating the temple premises in itself constitutes a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Complaint registered
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
