Indian American lawmakers seek DOJ action on temple attacks

Five Indian American members of the US House of Representatives have expressed concern over an alarming increase in incidents of vandalism at houses of worship across the country including at Hindu temples.

The five who collectively go by the nickname of ‘Samosa caucus’ — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera — have sought a briefing before April 18 from Department of Justice (DOJ) on the status of investigation concerning these crimes.

“Attacks at mandirs (temples) from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” they wrote in a letter addressed to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke.

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“Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation,” the letter stated.

“Our communities remain concerted about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law,” the lawmakers wrote.

Expressing concern over lack of progress, they stated, “The number of incidents and the closeness of the timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them.”

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“It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear nationally within a community that has often been marginalized or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minotties in America,” the lawmakers wrote.

Given the urgency of the situation, the lawmakers sought a briefing before April 18 “to provide us with an understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States.”

This call for federal intervention from Indian American lawmakers comes at a time of growing concern within the Indian diaspora and South Asian communities, who fear for their safety and religious freedom in the United States, noted Khanderao Kand, Chief of Policy and Strategy at the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies FIIDS).

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“In Q1 2024, we witnessed sudden spike in gratifies, vandalism as well as thefts on temples in America intimidating devotees,” he stated. “On the background of local officials often failing to investigate the cases to find culprits, we thank Indian American Representatives asking FBI and DOJ to investigate.”

“We hope that FBI/DOJ would investigate to find any campaign or conspiracy if exists behind such attacks to assure peace loving Indian diaspora / south asians about their safety and freedom of religion,” Kand added.

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