Hindu temple burnt down to ashes by unknown miscreants in Andhra Pradesh
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India 
9 June, 2025
Case Summary
In Kurma village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, the ISKCON Sri Kurma Mandir, a Hindu temple, was reduced to ashes after being set on fire by some unidentified miscreants. One of the temple priests stated that the attack on the temple was intentional. Kurma village had recently gained prominence, with an average of 300 to 400 visitors daily, and 20 to 30 people often staying to learn about ancient practices and listen to teachings from the Bhagavad Gita. The priest added, “We have seen idols broken in other temples as well.” Reports indicate that no one was injured on the night the temple was set ablaze. The priest further remarked, “The culprits likely knew the temple’s routine. Within ten minutes, the flames had engulfed everything. Normally, even if something catches fire, some remains are left. Here, not a single curtain, table, bookstand, iron, or glass item survived. Everything was destroyed before our eyes. This was no accidental fire. Only someone with knowledge and intent could have caused this.” The police were promptly informed, and they registered a case and began an investigation. Forensic experts were called to collect samples and are checking for traces of alcohol, petrol, diesel, or any other flammable substances. Police also started tracing phone calls and signals from the area to identify the perpetrators. According to reports, the temple land belonged to the Nandagokulam Goshala Trust in Kurma village. The temple priests urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation. The priests also said, “Flames are still visible inside the burnt temple. Unless a substance like petrol or kerosene was used, this could not have happened. Fire safety teams have attended, but smoke and flames persist, highlighting the severity of the disaster. Even the glass has melted, demonstrating the intensity of the blaze. Palm-leaf huts and thatched roofs have all turned to ash.” Local Hindus in the Kurma village also demanded justice and were living in fear and concern after this incident.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the primary category- Attack on Hindu religious representations. The subcategory selected 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. This case has been added to the tracker because the miscreants targeted and burnt down a Hindu temple—an institution of immense spiritual significance in Hindu tradition. Temples are not merely physical structures; they are sanctified spaces believed to embody the divine presence of the respective Hindu deities. Any attack on Hindu temples not only causes physical destruction but also inflicts deep wounds on the spiritual and religious beliefs of Hindus. Acts of violence against such sites are not isolated incidents of destruction but reflect deeper hostility towards Hindu beliefs and identity. As this assault was directed at a consecrated Hindu place of worship, it is classified as a religiously motivated hate crime against the Hindu community. It is also important to note that the temple priest stated that there have been many previous incidents of idol desecration in other temples in the area. This highlights a pattern of systematic attacks on Hindu temples and their idols. Such actions are motivated by religious animosity towards Hindus and Hinduism. In this case, although the perpetrators remain unidentified, the act of burning down the Hindu temple itself stemmed from hatred towards Hinduism and resulted in the deliberate targeting of the Hindu temple. This action is rooted in disdain for Hindus and their faith. As this case meets the criteria for a religiously motivated crime, it is being categorised in the hate crime database. Disclaimer: Although media reports do not specify the exact date of the incident, they indicate that the police began their investigation two and a half days ago. Therefore, we are using an indicative date—10th June 2025—even though the media reported the incident on 13th June 2025.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
