Five Hindu temples vandalised on Shab-e-Barat by men wearing Islamic skull caps
Howrah, West Bengal, India 
24 February, 2024
Case Summary
On 25th February night, five Hindu temples were vandalized in Bankra town, Howrah district, West Bengal. BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari confirmed the incident urging authorities to swiftly apprehend the culprits. CCTV footage shared by Adhikari showed young boys wearing skull caps involved in the vandalism. Following the incident, local Hindus staged a protest on the next morning, blocking rail lines and demanding immediate arrests.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
In Hinduism, a temple is the abode of the Deity. The Deity in the Temple is consecrated, thereby, making it a real, breathing entity. Hindus believe that not just the Deity but the temple premises itself are sacred to Hindus since Hindus hold the faith that the entire Temple space is an amalgamation of the divine energy of the deity. Given the central significance of Temples in Hindu Dharma, any attack against a Hindu Temple or its peripheral premises is an attack on the faith itself and is born out of animosity towards the faith, of which, the Temple is a central tenet. Any manner of attack against a Temple and/or its premises would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
