Muslim mob tries to barge into Trimbakeshwar Temple and offer "chadar" on Shivling
Nashik Division, Maharashtra, India 
12 May, 2023
Case Summary
Security personnel at the Trimbakeshwar Mandir successfully thwarted an attempt by a group of Muslims to forcefully enter the temple premises and place a Chadar on the revered Shivling. The incident, which occurred during an Urs procession, raised concerns, prompting the Brahmin Mahasabha to demand a thorough police investigation. The Trimbakeshwar Mandir, known as a Jyotirlinga Mandir and a significant Hindu pilgrimage centre, witnessed tension when Muslims tried to barge in and perform the ritual. There are calls for legal action against the Muslim group involved, with the Brahmin Mahasangh threatening protests if the police fail to act promptly.
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. 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 symbols from another faith is violating the sanctity of the temple, the miscreants attempted to place a chadar on the Shivling. The perpetrator, in this case, attempted to deface the Shivling underscoring the deep-rooted hatred the accused harboured towards Hinduism. Given that the fundamental motivation behind this incident is contempt for the Hindu religion, this instance has been added to the tracker under the following category.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
Unknown
Perpetrators Gender
unknown
Sources 
