Minor boy posts vulgar remark about Hindu deities on social media
Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, India 
31 March, 2025
Case Summary
A 15-year-old boy from Sikandarpur, Hathras, sparked outrage after posting a photo on Instagram with a vulgar remark about Hindu deities. The offensive content, written in English, deeply hurt religious sentiments and led to widespread anger among local residents. As news of the post spread, people in the area demanded strict action against the accused. Following the public outcry, a formal complaint was lodged, and an FIR was registered against the minor. Authorities took swift action to address the situation and prevent any further communal tensions. The police assured residents that appropriate legal measures would be taken against the boy for his offensive remarks.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case has been added to the tracker under the prime category- Attack on Hindu religious representations. The sub-category relevant in this case is- Iconoclastic representation of Hindu Gods/Goddesses. An icon is a symbol of someone or something that is revered, or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Any iconoclastic representation of these symbols, images and murtis is an affront to the religious beliefs and faith of the Hindu community itself since the symbols and icons are deeply religious in nature. In this sub-category of crime, we would record hate crimes and iconoclastic representations, in words, art, or any other form of representations of symbols that hold religious significance for the Hindu community. Since these symbols, icons and murtis are central to the Hindu faith, any iconoclastic representation of these symbols is born out of animosity towards the faith itself, manifesting itself through these symbols and therefore, these representations would be considered religiously motivated hate crimes. The act of making a vulgar remark about Hindu deities in a public forum such as Instagram constitutes a deliberate insult to religious symbols that hold deep significance within the Hindu faith. Hindu iconography, including deities and sacred symbols, is central to religious practice and devotion, and any attempt to demean or misrepresent these figures is an affront to the beliefs of the community. Such iconoclastic representations are not merely offensive but reflect an underlying animosity towards the faith itself. By deliberately targeting revered deities with disrespectful language, the act goes beyond personal expression and becomes an attack on Hindu religious representations, making it a religiously motivated hate crime.
Case Status
Complaint filed
Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Unknown
Perpetrators Range
One Person
Perpetrators Gender
male
Sources 
