Hindu Temple looted by Muslim youth in UP's Hathras, accused caught in police encounter
Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India 
31 March, 2025
Case Summary
In Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district, a Muslim youth carried out a theft at a Hanuman temple. The police apprehended the accused following an encounter. The thief broke the temple’s lock and stole several valuable items, including two Hanuman maces, two bells, a crown, and cash, before fleeing the scene. The entire incident was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras. Upon realizing he was recorded, the thief attempted to destroy the CCTV camera inside the temple. Despite this, the police successfully identified and arrested him after an encounter. The accused has been identified as Shoaib alias Kubba, son of Iqrar, a resident of Nagla Iglas Road, Kotwali Hathras Gate. During the encounter, Shoaib sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was subsequently taken to the district hospital for treatment. The police recovered ₹2,500 in cash, a brass pot, a bell, a lamp stand, a country-made pistol, and cartridges from Shoaib’s possession. The theft occurred at Baohare Wala Bagh’s Hanuman temple in the Mursan Gate area on April 1. The incident came to light when the temple priest, Sunny Goswami, arrived in the morning and discovered the broken lock and ransacked premises. He immediately informed the police. Upon receiving the complaint, the police analyzed CCTV footage and identified the thief. Hathras SP Chiranjivi Nath Sinha formed a team to track him down. Later that night, the police and SOG team encountered Shoaib on Kunwarpur Road, where a confrontation ensued. Shoaib fired at the police, prompting retaliatory fire, which hit him in the leg. He was then arrested and sent for medical treatment. On April 1, the Hathras police took to X to inform that the accused had been apprehended within 24 hours of the crime, and all stolen temple items were recovered.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This incident involving the looting of a Hindu temple could potentially be categorised as a religiously motivated hate crime. However, as there is currently no explicit evidence suggesting religious motivation, it is being classified under the "undecided" category. Should further information emerge, the case will be reassessed and appropriately included in the hate crime database.
Case Status
Arrested
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Muslim Extremists
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
