Calf carcass discovered near Sonbhadra’s Robertsganj Hanuman temple
Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India 
27 July, 2023
Case Summary
Tensions escalated in Robertsganj, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, after the discovery of a calf's carcass near a Hanuman temple on the evening of July 28, 2023. Police swiftly responded to the situation, with Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Singh arriving at the scene to take charge. A complaint was filed, and authorities assured that those responsible would face consequences. The police suspect that the incident may have been orchestrated to disrupt the atmosphere ahead of Muharram on July 29. The nine-month-old calf's body was found behind the temple, prompting an investigation into whether the crime occurred on-site or if the carcass was brought and dumped there. Hindu organisations also arrived at the scene, leading to heightened emotions. No arrests had been made at the time this incident was reported.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the hate tracker under the prime category of 'Attack on Hindu religious symbols' and under this the sub-category 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. In this case, despite understanding that Hindu temples are dedicated to the worship of Hindu deities and are considered sacred spaces specifically for the practice of Hindu rituals and prayers and introducing religious texts from another faith is violating the sanctity of the temple, the miscreants purposely placed calf's carcass near a Hanuman Temple in Sonbhadra, UP. It is important to mention here that though the last update was that the miscreants were unknown, regardless, the action stemmed out of hatred against Hinduism and resulted in the desecration of the sacred temple and would therefore be considered a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
N/A
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
