Hanuman Murti Desecrated by Islamists [Thane, Maharashtra]

(Reported as seen)

The Hindu community in the Hajuri (Hazuri) area of Thane district, Maharashtra, is grappling with repeated attacks on their religious sites and personal safety. The latest incident involves the desecration of a Hanuman Mandir, where anti-Hindu elements broke the murti (idol) of Bhagwan Hanuman and vandalized the temple premises. This comes less than a month after an Islamist mob of 150 desecrated another Hindu Mandir in the area and molested a Hindu woman shopping for vegetables.

A few days ago, the Hanuman Mandir in Hajuri was desecrated, causing significant distress among the local Hindu population, already reeling from the previous violence. Despite the police’s efforts to maintain calm and order, the community is agitated and demands justice.

Local Hindu organizations swiftly mobilized and gathered to chant Hanuman Chalisa in front of the desecrated Mandir. They demanded strict action against the culprits and the proper reinstallation of the Hanuman murti with the rituals of pran pratishtha. Vijay Tripathi, a local Hindu leader, expressed his deep anguish over the incident, highlighting the ongoing suppression of Hindus under the guise of ‘Sarva dharma samabhav’ (equal respect for all religions). Tripathi criticized Hindu leaders who appease Islamists for political gain and emphasized that attacks on Hindu deities will not be tolerated.

In late June, a Hindu woman was molested in Hajuri. She sought refuge in a Shiva Mandir, only for a mob of approximately 150 Muslims to enter the temple, vandalize it, and threaten her. Reports suggest the police failed to assist her and refused to register an FIR. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern, with local leaders reporting five attacks on Hindus in the last two months.

Tripathi and other community leaders are calling on the administration and the Hindutva BJP government to take serious actions to protect the Hindu society. They warn that continued inaction could lead to an escalation of violence, drawing comparisons to the situation in Kashmir.

The Hindu community in Hajuri is demanding justice and protection from repeated attacks, urging both local and state authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure their safety and uphold their religious rights.