Muslim mob attacks Prerna Peeth Nishkalki Temple, vandalises idols of deities
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 
7 May, 2024
Case Summary
The Prerna Peeth Nishkalki Temple in Pirana, Ahmedabad, was attacked by a Muslim mob, as seen in viral videos. The attackers, wearing skull caps and armed with sticks and iron rods, vandalised several idols of Hindu deities, in what the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) described as a pre-planned attack. The temple has been a subject of controversy for years, with Muslims claiming it as a mosque while Hindus maintain its status as a temple. Reports suggest that the attack was triggered by rumours of graves being removed from the site, leading to a gathering of local Muslims who forcibly entered the temple premises and damaged its walls. Videos of the attack were shared on social media platforms by VHP Gujarat and Bajrang Dal's Gujarat unit, both condemning the incident and labelling it as an act by atheists. Following the attack, the Ahmedabad rural district police, along with special units, rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
According to the case details, 'attack on Temples' and 'desecration of Hindu religious symbol' are the two sub-categories under the core category 'attack on Hindu religious symbols' under which this case has been listed. The first relevant sub-category in this case is, 'Attack on Temples'. 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. The second sub-category relevant in this case 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.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
