A Hindu temple in the US state of Ohio was vandalised after bricks were allegedly thrown at the building while priests and devotees were inside, causing damage to windows and the temple premises.
The incident took place on Friday afternoon at the Shree Swaminarayan Vadtal Dham Hindu Mandir in Richmond Heights, in the Greater Cleveland area. According to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), the attack was reported at around 1:30 pm.
The organisation said bricks were thrown at the temple, resulting in significant property damage. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also reported that windows were shattered while priests and devotees were present inside the temple.
Surveillance Footage Under Review
The Hindu American Foundation said surveillance footage of the incident is available and is being reviewed by authorities. The organisation has also said it is in contact with temple leaders and is helping following the incident.
At the time of reporting, no suspect had been publicly identified, and no arrest had been announced. Authorities have also not confirmed a religious motive behind the incident.
HAF described the incident as a possible hate crime and called for a thorough investigation. CoHNA has urged local officials and law enforcement in Richmond Heights to act against those responsible.
Incident Comes Ahead of Navratri
The vandalism has drawn attention from Hindu community organisations in the US as October marks Hindu Heritage Month for many Hindu community groups. The incident also comes shortly before Navratri celebrations.
Community representatives have called for the safety of Hindu places of worship and for authorities to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
As the investigation continues, further details about the damage, possible motive and those involved are expected to emerge once authorities complete their review of the available evidence.
