Hate crime, one of the most overt and dangerous forms of Hinduphobia, involves acts of physical violence, vandalism, and intimidation directed at Hindus simply because of their religious identity. In recent years, hate crimes against Hindus have risen sharply across North America, the U.K., and other parts of the world, coinciding with increasing political and social tensions. These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend where Hindus are targeted based on misguided stereotypes, religious intolerance, or geopolitical disputes. Addressing hate crimes is critical not only for protecting the safety of Hindu communities but also for preserving the social fabric of multicultural societies.
Hate crimes against Hindus occur in many disturbing forms, often involving vandalism of religious spaces, physical assaults, or destruction of property. For example, in 2023, several Hindu temples in Australia and Canada were vandalized with pro-Khalistan slogans, intended to intimidate worshippers and instill fear in the broader community. In the U.K., Hindu communities in cities like Leicester faced attacks in 2022, where mobs damaged property, desecrated temples, and hurled violent threats at Hindus amid rising communal tensions. These attacks and vandalism incidents have only escalated as time passes. These acts of hate crime were not only an attack on religious spaces but an assault on the Hindu way of life, leaving deep scars on the affected communities.
Physical violence has also emerged as a troubling pattern in these hate crimes. In the U.S., several cases have come to light where Hindus were targeted in racially or religiously motivated assaults. In 2021, an Indian-American man was attacked in California, with the assailants hurling anti-Hindu and anti-Indian slurs, demonstrating how deeply hate crimes are rooted in both race and religion. A more recent attack on RedFM journalist Rishi Nagar on October 1st 2024 was seen in Calgary, Canada where he was attacked due to simply reporting on facts about crimes committed by Khalistan extremists. Such incidents have heightened concerns among Hindu communities, many of whom now live in fear of similar attacks.
Furthermore, political rhetoric and global conflicts have contributed to an uptick in hate crimes. For instance, the revocation of Article 370 in India, which removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, led to a wave of anti-Hindu protests across the world, including the U.K. and Canada. These protests, while primarily political in nature, often spilled over into hate crimes, with Hindu symbols defaced, property damaged, and individuals targeted based on their perceived support for Indian government policies. In this way, political events abroad have direct and dangerous consequences for Hindu communities in diaspora countries.
Hindu Forum Canada is dedicated to ensure safety of the Hindu community in Canada. We do this by documenting incidents, engaging with law enforcement, and raising public awareness, HFC ensures that these crimes are not ignored and that perpetrators are held accountable. By working closely with police and community leaders to address the root causes of anti-Hindu violence we are able to promote measures to prevent future attacks.
Governments and law enforcement are responsible for creating safe environments by strengthening hate crime laws and building trust with affected communities to encourage reporting. Political leaders must openly condemn anti-Hindu rhetoric, promote unity, and prioritize hate crime prevention through legislation. International cooperation is also key in addressing hate crimes linked to global political issues. Community engagement through interfaith dialogue and public campaigns can foster understanding and reduce ignorance. Individuals should actively report hate crimes and stand in solidarity with victims, sending a strong message that hate will not be tolerated.
