Over 150 years old Mari Mata temple bulldozed to ground in Pakistan
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan 
14 July, 2023
Case Summary
A Hindu temple, over 150 years old, was demolished in Karachi's Soldier Bazaar. Locals claimed that police vehicles provided "cover" to those operating the bulldozers, resulting in the destruction of the entire structure except for the outer walls and main gate. Shri Ram Nath Mishra, a priest from a nearby temple, confirmed the temple's age and management by the Madrasi Hindu community of Karachi. While authorities asserted the structure was unsafe and deities were moved, a member of the Madrasi Hindu community said coercion by Imran Hashmi and Rekha (Nagin Bai). It was said that the temple was sold for 70 million rupees and its documents were forged for commercial purposes. The Hindu community urged the Pakistan-Hindu Council, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the Inspector General of Sindh Police to investigate the matter.
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. The demolition of Hindu temples in Pakistan, often justified under the guise of encroachment, is widely seen as part of a larger pattern of religious persecution against the Hindu minority. This persecution encompasses various forms of discrimination and violence, deeply affecting the community's ability to practice their faith. By demolishing places of worship, authorities effectively displace Hindu communities and suppress their religious and cultural practices. Such actions stem from an inherent Hindumisia and for this reason, this case qualifies for inclusion in the hate tracker database.
Case Status
Unknown
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
State and Establishment
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
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