The last week of February 2026 witnessed a disturbing surge in incidents targeting Hindu communities across South Asia, ranging from physical assaults and killings to attempts at religious coercion and suppression of worship. From Bangladesh to India and even in diaspora contexts like the United Kingdom, Hindu individuals, families, and institutions faced intimidation, vandalism, and discriminatory acts that highlight underlying social tensions and communal fault lines.
In Bangladesh, multiple violent incidents showed the vulnerability of minority communities. The abduction and brutal murder of Nishanta Baidya in Gopalganj district brought local and international attention to the ongoing risks faced by Hindus in the region. Similarly, Hindu traders and worshippers faced threats, attacks, and disruption of their religious practices during Ramadan and other occasions, reflecting a growing pattern of communal targeting.
The detailed 12 incidents from Feb 23 to March 1, 2026, are given below.
February 23, 2026
1. Hindu Man Abducted and Murdered in Bangladesh
A Hindu man was abducted and murdered in Koligram village under Jolirpar Union of Muksudpur Upazila in Gopalganj district of Bangladesh. The incident was reported on February 23, 2026. According to media reports, the victim, identified as Nishanta Baidya, was taken from his home by unidentified assailants. He was later found dead after being brutally killed, and his body was reportedly dumped. The circumstances and motive behind the killing were not immediately clear.
Local authorities had not issued an official statement regarding arrests or confirmation of allegations at the time the incident was reported. Members of the local community described the killing as a targeted attack and alleged that religious motives may have been involved.
The victim was an adult Hindu male from the village where the incident occurred. His killing caused concern among residents, with several Hindu families in the area reportedly expressing fear following the incident.
The perpetrators involved in the abduction and killing have not been identified. Media reports did not confirm the identity, number, or background of the assailants, and the case status remained unclear at the time of reporting.
2. Hindu Devotees Detained as Prayer Recitations Halted in Tamil Nadu Temples
Thousands of Hindu devotees across Tamil Nadu were prevented from reciting the Kandha Sashti Kavasam, a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Murugan, inside temples on February 23, 2026, marking the auspicious occasions of Sashti and Krithigai. Devotees had gathered at temples across the state under the banner of Muruga Bhaktargal Peravai to participate in a peaceful prayer gathering.
According to reports, officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department were directed to prevent the recitation of the hymn and to lodge complaints against participants. Following this, temple authorities alerted the police, and recitations were halted at several temple premises across the state.
At Kumbakonam Thenupureeswarar Temple and Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Thanjavur, devotees who arrived to sing the hymn were detained by the police and prevented from offering prayers inside the temple. At Kurunthamalai Murugan Temple in Karamadai, devotees were physically removed from the temple premises. At Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple in Mettupalayam, devotees were not permitted to recite the hymn inside the temple and were required to sit on the road outside the premises to conduct their prayers.
The gathering had been organised as a devotional prayer for family welfare, public well-being, the progress of Tamil Nadu, and national development. Devotees had also assembled as part of a vow seeking the unhindered implementation of a court order regarding the lighting of the lamp at the Thiruparankundram Deepa Thoon.
Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara Subramaniam condemned the actions and stated that the state government had violated the constitutional right of Hindu devotees to worship. He said the devotees had assembled solely to perform a peaceful prayer and that preventing the recitation of Kandha Sashti Kavasam within temple premises constituted an injustice to Murugan worshippers.
3. Dalit Hindu Minor Assaulted and Abused in Mangaluru
A 14-year-old Hindu Dalit boy was assaulted and subjected to caste-based verbal abuse near a railway track at Babugudde in Mangaluru, Karnataka, on February 23, 2026. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Mangaluru South Police Station.
According to reports, the boy, a Class Nine student from the Bakuda Scheduled Caste community, had been speaking with a Class Ten girl near the railway track after school hours at around 4.00 pm. Two men identified as Steven Monteiro and his son Avil approached the children and began filming them on a mobile phone, accusing them of engaging in public displays of affection.
During the confrontation, the two men allegedly directed caste-based slurs at the boy, referencing his Bakuda identity. When the girl left the spot, the boy attempted to leave as well. Avil reportedly stopped him, dragged him toward a nearby road and demanded the girl’s home address. He then allegedly assaulted the boy while Steven Monteiro continued recording the incident. The victim was also reportedly threatened and warned not to return to the location.
Following the complaint, police registered a case against Steven Monteiro and Avil under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 126(2), 115(2), 352, 351(1), and 79, along with Section 3(1)(r)(s) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Both individuals were detained after the case was registered.
4. SOAS Report on 2022 Leicester Violence Draws Criticism Over Alleged Anti-Hindu Bias
The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London published a 218-page inquiry report on February 23, 2026, examining the communal unrest that took place in Leicester, United Kingdom, between May and September 2022. The report, titled Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester, analysed the tensions between communities during the period of unrest.
According to the report, no single community or group was solely responsible for the violence. However, it identified Hindus, Hindutva ideology, and the Bharatiya Janata Party government in India as factors contributing to communal polarisation and tensions in Leicester during that period.
The report documented several incidents that occurred during the unrest, including attacks on Hindu individuals by Muslim mobs, the removal of a saffron flag from the Shivalaya Mandir by a Muslim man, and the stabbing of a Hindu man. Despite recording these incidents, the report placed significant emphasis on Hindutva ideology as a contributing factor in the escalation of tensions.
It also referred to an alleged incident in May 2022 in which a Muslim youth was reportedly attacked by Hindu men. The report described this episode as an important event that many Muslim groups viewed as a trigger for the violence that later unfolded in August and September 2022.
The report further discussed the conduct of some Hindu youths, mentioning gatherings outside mosques and car convoys in the Green Road area during celebrations following India’s Independence Day on August 15. It noted that several participants were from the Daman and Diu Hindu community and suggested that such activities contributed to rising tensions in the area.
Overall, the report concluded that the Leicester violence was shaped by complex factors including community tensions, identity narratives, and social media activity.
5. Mumbai Woman Alleges Deception, Sexual Assault and Coercion for Religious Conversion
A Hindu woman from Mumbai alleged that she was deceived into a relationship, sexually assaulted, and pressured to convert to Islam by a man who had presented himself as a Hindu on social media. Her account emerged during a public event in New Delhi on February 23, 2026, where several women shared testimonies related to alleged exploitation and coercive religious conversion.
According to the woman, identified as Rashi, the accused first contacted her through Instagram while using a Hindu name. Their interaction continued for about six weeks. She stated that the man later visited her residence after learning that she was unwell and alone, bringing food for her. She alleged that the food was laced with an intoxicating substance, after which she lost consciousness. She further stated that during this period the accused sexually assaulted her and recorded explicit videos without her consent. She alleged that the recordings were later used to threaten her with public exposure if she refused to comply with his demands.
Rashi further stated that she was taken to Mahim Dargah in Mumbai, where she was allegedly compelled to wear a burqa and participate in Islamic rituals despite her objections. She claimed that water given by a religious cleric was forced upon her as part of efforts to convert her. According to her account, she was assaulted by the accused and members of his family when she refused to accept these practices.
She also alleged that she became pregnant during the course of the relationship and that members of the accused’s family forcibly administered pills that resulted in the termination of the pregnancy. In another incident she described, which she said occurred in March 2025 on the day of Holi, she alleged that she was called to the accused’s family home and subjected to severe physical assault and sexual violence by multiple members of the household.
The woman stated that she initially approached a local police station in Mumbai to file a complaint but claimed that her attempt to register a case was discouraged at first. She said that an FIR was eventually registered after continued follow-up and assistance from a local MLA.
6. Minor Hindu Students Allege Harassment Over Religious Symbols at Lucknow School
Two minor Hindu girls studying at St Fidelis School in Vikas Nagar, Lucknow, were allegedly subjected to harassment by the school principal for wearing Hindu religious symbols. The incident came to light after their family filed a complaint at the Vikas Nagar police station on February 23, 2026.
According to the complaint filed by Vikas Kumar Verma, a resident of Shankar Nagar Square in Daliganj, his two daughters, studying in Class VI and Class III, had been facing mental harassment at school for several days for wearing Hindu religious symbols. He also alleged that the principal was attempting to pressure the girls to convert to Christianity.
Verma stated that after he became aware of the situation, efforts were made to meet the school administration regarding the issue. He further alleged that the principal responded by asking the administration to expel both girls from the school.
Reports also stated that the school principal had earlier converted from Sikhism to Christianity. Following the complaint, the Station Officer of Vikas Nagar police station said that an investigation has been initiated into the matter based on the allegations made by the family.
7. Hindu Religious Event Attacked by Mob in Bulandshahr; Police Register Case
A Hindu religious gathering organised by a Dalit family in Ginora Sheikh village of Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly attacked by a group of men following a dispute over loud DJ music during the event.
The incident took place on February 23, 2026, when the family had organised a traditional Kua Pooja and Jagran ceremony to celebrate the birth of a child in their household. The event included devotional songs and prayers, and a DJ system was reportedly being used for music during the celebration.
According to local accounts, some residents from the neighbouring community objected to the sound of the DJ, which led to an argument between the two groups. The disagreement soon escalated into violence.
Members of the Hindu family alleged that a large group of men entered their home during the dispute and physically assaulted people present at the event. Several attendees, including women, were reportedly pushed and beaten during the confrontation. The victims also alleged that caste-based insults were used against members of the Dalit family during the incident.
8. Man Arrested in Rudrapur for Allegedly Posting Abusive Video Targeting Hindu Deities
A man in Rudrapur, located in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, was taken into police custody after a social media video surfaced in which he allegedly made abusive remarks about Hindu deities.
The accused, identified as Akash Babu, reportedly uploaded a video online in which he used offensive language while referring to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The clip quickly circulated on social media, triggering anger among members of the local Hindu community.
Following the circulation of the video, Prince Kohli, coordinator of the Bajrang Dal’s Rudrapur unit, submitted a written complaint to the police. The complaint named the accused and demanded immediate action, stating that the video had deeply hurt religious sentiments and caused widespread outrage.
Police acted on the complaint and detained the accused. Officials confirmed that legal proceedings had been initiated under relevant sections of law and that the matter was under investigation.
Local leaders from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal warned that protests could be organised if strict action was not taken against the accused. Meanwhile, another video reportedly surfaced online in which the accused appeared to apologise.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
February 24, 2026
9. FIR Filed Against Influencers for Circulating Edited Videos Targeting Holi Celebrations in Mathura
Police in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh registered a case against nine social media influencers for allegedly circulating edited and misleading videos related to the Lathmar and Laddumar Holi celebrations held in Barsana and Nandgaon.
According to police officials, the matter came to light after the Social Media Cell received inputs on February 26 and 27, 2026, about deceptive clips being widely circulated on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. An investigation found that old video footage from previous years, recorded at different locations and times, had been selectively edited and shared online as visuals from the 2026 celebrations.
Authorities stated that the circulation of these clips led to confusion and rumours in the Braj region. Police noted that the misleading content created apprehension among women and risked generating broader social tension during the festival period.
10. Hindu Youth Stabbed to Death in Chattogram After Resisting Extortion Attempt
A Hindu youth was killed in Chattogram district of Bangladesh on the night of February 24, 2026, after he allegedly resisted a group that had been demanding extortion money from factory workers.
The victim, identified as Akash Das, was the son of Babul Das and lived in the Dhopapara area near Alankar Mor in the city. According to family members and co-workers, Akash worked at a toy factory located at Sagarika Bitak Bazar Mor.
Relatives and eyewitnesses stated that a group had reportedly been demanding money from workers at the factory for some time. They alleged that Akash had opposed these demands, which had led to tensions between him and the individuals involved.
On the night of the incident, Akash had gone to his workplace after dinner when he saw another worker, identified as Michael, being attacked. When he attempted to intervene, the group allegedly assaulted him. Witnesses said he was first struck on the head with a helmet and then stabbed multiple times.
He was initially taken to Al-Amin Hospital at AK Khan Mor, and later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital as his condition worsened. Doctors at the hospital declared him dead.
Family members alleged that the killing was carried out in retaliation for his earlier resistance to the extortion attempts. Eyewitnesses named several individuals they claimed were involved in the attack, including Iman, Nazmul, Mohsin, Ratul, Mannan, Hriday and Antar, along with others.
Akash’s brother, Sagar Das, said the family was preparing to file a murder case at the police station and demanded the arrest and punishment of those responsible. Police officers visited the hospital and the scene of the incident to gather information.
11. Two Arrested After Hindu Man in Varanasi Alleges Conversion Attempt Through Monetary Inducement
A Hindu man in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh filed a complaint with the police alleging that he was offered money by individuals who attempted to persuade him to convert to Christianity. The incident was reported from the Jansa police station area, where the complainant, Aman Seth, stated that he had been approached with a financial inducement of Rs 40,000.
According to the complaint, Ajay Kumar, a resident of Kharija Ahmadpur Chandena Koli in Deoband, Saharanpur district, approached Aman Seth and offered him the amount in exchange for converting to Christianity. Seth alleged that Kumar gave him Rs 5,000 in advance and promised to provide the remaining Rs 35,000 later. He further stated that the contact had been established through an intermediary named Gulab Singh.
Police said the complaint indicated that the accused individuals were allegedly part of a group that had been visiting several villages in Varanasi district and nearby areas for some time. According to the police, the group was suspected of approaching economically vulnerable individuals and promising financial assistance and other benefits if they agreed to convert. During the investigation, officials said they recovered documents and promotional material allegedly related to the conversion activities.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered at Jansa police station under provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021. Police first arrested Vijay Kumar, a 42-year-old resident of Gram Paramandapur in the Jansa area, on January 24, 2026, and sent him to jail. The second accused, Ajay Kumar, aged 40, was later arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
12. Dehradun Police Stop Hanuman Chalisa Recitation Near Mosque
Tensions arose in the Thano area near Jolly Grant in Dehradun after police prevented members of Hindu organisations from proceeding to a temple to recite the Hanuman Chalisa on February 24, 2026. Authorities stated that holding the recitation close to a nearby mosque could disturb the local atmosphere and potentially escalate communal tensions.
According to local accounts, members of several Hindu groups had gathered with the intention of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa at a temple located opposite a mosque in Kandogal Thano. The mosque had earlier come under administrative scrutiny. Officials had reportedly found that the structure lacked an approved building map and that the madrasa operating within it was not registered with the state’s Waqf Board or the Madrasa Education Council.
Administrative action had already begun in the matter in late 2025. In December, a portion of the mosque structure was sealed by authorities in the presence of police personnel. Later, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Doiwala directed the mosque committee to submit required documentation including the approved map and relevant registration papers. During a hearing held on February 11, 2026, these documents were not produced. Subsequently, on February 16, the SDM ordered the sealing of the mosque for operating without proper approvals, though the action had not yet been carried out.
On February 24, when Hindu activists attempted to march towards the temple to conduct the prayer recital, police deployed a heavy security presence and erected barricades at Thano Chowk. Participants were stopped on Dharkot Road near the mosque and prevented from reaching the temple premises. Police officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary step to maintain law and order in the area.
Following the stoppage, the demonstrators staged a sit-in protest on the road. During the protest, they recited the Hanuman Chalisa and raised religious slogans while security forces from several nearby police stations, including Ranipokhari, Rishikesh and Raiwala, remained deployed in the area.
13. Hanuman Idol Desecrated at Historic Temple in Hyderabad, Complaint Filed
A Hindu temple in the Hanuman Banda area of Barkas under Chandrayangutta in Hyderabad was reportedly targeted by unidentified miscreants who desecrated a Hanuman idol, prompting concern among local devotees.
The incident came to light after a complaint was lodged at the Chandrayangutta Police Station on February 24, 2026. According to the complaint filed by Naveen Kumar, a resident of the area, the temple, identified as the Sri Dwimukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, was found damaged when he arrived for darshan at around 8 a.m. He stated that the grill lock of the temple had been broken and the main idol of Lord Hanuman inside the shrine had been desecrated by unknown individuals.
The temple is described in the complaint as being nearly 200 years old and holding significant religious importance for the local Hindu community. Naveen Kumar further stated that the condition of the broken lock and the damaged idol suggested a deliberate act intended to hurt religious sentiments.
After news of the incident spread, devotees and local residents gathered at the temple and demanded strict action against those responsible. Reports also indicated that the temple is situated in a relatively isolated location and that there had been earlier instances of nuisance and unlawful activities in the surrounding area, which had caused concern among worshippers.
In his complaint, Naveen Kumar also requested that authorities provide adequate security for the temple premises.
February 25, 2026
14. Hindu Shop Owners in Bangladesh Report Death Threats During Ramadan
Hindu shopkeepers in several areas of Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh have reported receiving death threats for keeping their businesses open during daytime hours in the fasting month of Ramadan.
According to multiple reports, groups have been pressuring non-Muslim businesses to remain closed until the evening meal of Iftar. Hindu traders say they were warned that opening shops or serving customers before sunset could lead to violent consequences. Because of these threats, many business owners have chosen to shut their establishments during the day out of fear for their safety.
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra has raised concerns that restaurants and food shops in different regions have been forced to close during fasting hours. In some cases, groups reportedly stopped customers from eating inside restaurants or pressured owners not to serve food publicly during the daytime.
There have also been reports that even businesses attempting to operate discreetly behind curtains were targeted. Earlier incidents suggest similar tensions in previous years. In 2024, a Hindu restaurant owner named Rajib Kumar Dey was reportedly assaulted in Sylhet for keeping his restaurant open during Ramadan.
The pressure on Hindu-owned businesses has also coincided with public demonstrations by Islamist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami, which have organised rallies calling for restaurants and hotels to remain closed during fasting hours.
15. Hindus Injured in Mob Attack During Protest Over Temple Land Dispute in Bangladesh
Several members of the Hindu community were injured after a mob attack during a protest over alleged encroachment on temple land in Aruail village of Brahmanbaria district in Bangladesh on February 25, 2026.
The dispute concerns land linked to the Sri Sri Mohanlal Temple, an old temple in the area. Local Hindu residents have been opposing the alleged encroachment of the temple land by Shahid Miya and his associates, leading to continuing tension in the village.
On the afternoon of February 25, members of the Hindu community organised a protest procession and formed a human chain demanding that the temple land be freed from encroachment. The demonstration began near the temple and moved towards the disputed site where protesters raised slogans.
During the protest, Shahid Miya and a group of associates confronted the demonstrators. Bricks and stones were thrown at the crowd and some protesters were attacked with sticks. Ten Hindus, including one woman, sustained injuries and were taken to the Sarail Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Temple committee members stated that the land dispute is already the subject of an ongoing court case. They alleged that Shahid Miya had filled a nearby canal with soil and continued occupying the land despite the dispute. A local resident, Yadav Ghosh, said community members had gathered to demand protection of the temple land but were attacked during the protest.
Shahid Miya denied the allegations and claimed that the area described as a canal was actually land. He also stated that he had not carried out any attack. Mosharraf Hossain said the dispute over the land is currently before the court and that both sides claim ownership. He added that Shahid Miya had earlier been prevented from occupying the canal but allegedly filled it with soil during the night.
16. Temple Vandalised and Namaz Offered Inside Premises in Telangana
A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa was vandalised and Islamic prayers were offered inside its premises in the Pratapasingaram area of Medchal–Malkajgiri district on February 25, 2026.
The accused, a Muslim man whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, allegedly entered the temple premises at night and damaged parts of the structure. After the act of vandalism, he began offering namaz inside the temple compound. The incident occurred inside the temple premises, which local Hindu residents regard as a sacred place of worship.
The activity was noticed by local residents, after which people gathered at the temple site. The accused was apprehended by members of the crowd and was assaulted before the police were informed. Videos related to the incident later circulated on social media.
Police from the Medipally station arrived at the location and took the accused into custody. He was subsequently taken to the police station for questioning.
17. Bones and Eggshells Found Near Temple Premises in Hathras
A Hindu temple in Hathras was targeted after bones and eggshells were found scattered near the premises of Shri Balaji Maharaj Mandir on February 25, 2026.
The items were discovered in the Shrinagar area close to the temple grounds, a space regarded as sacred by local Hindu residents. The presence of bones and eggshells near the temple caused distress among devotees, who viewed the act as a deliberate attempt to defile the religious site. The individuals responsible for placing the items near the temple premises were not identified at the time the incident came to light.
18. Hindu Religious Procession Temporarily Disrupted Over Route Near Mosque in Theni
A Hindu religious procession connected with the Masimagam chariot festival of the Kalatheeswarar Gnanambigai Temple faced disruption in Uthamapalayam on February 25, 2026, after members of the Muslim community objected to the procession passing along a route that runs by a mosque.
The procession was organised by members of the Okkaliga Gounder community as part of the mandagapadi events that precede the temple’s Masimagam chariot festival scheduled for March 2. These preparatory events had been taking place since February 19, during which the temple deity is taken in procession and hosted by different communities on designated days. On February 25, the deity was taken in procession to the Indira Nagar area as part of these observances.
Tension arose when arrangements were being made for the return of the procession and members of the Muslim community objected to the chosen route, stating that the movement would disrupt prayers at a mosque situated along the path. They demanded that the procession be delayed or diverted to another route.
19. Hindu family attacked by Muslim mob for hoisting saffron flag in Basti
A Hindu family was brutally attacked by a Muslim mob in Patelwa Mohalla under Kotwali police station limits in Basti district of Uttar Pradesh after the family hoisted a saffron flag on the roof of their house.
According to the complaint filed by the victim, Akhilesh Yadav, he had placed a saffron flag on his rooftop. Soon after, some Muslim residents of the neighbourhood objected to the flag and began pressuring him to remove it. When the family refused to take down the flag, a large group of Muslim men allegedly gathered outside the house.
The situation escalated when around 55 men reportedly attacked the residence. Members of the family, including women and children, were assaulted during the incident. Local residents stated that the attack continued even after police personnel reached the location.
Following the complaint lodged by Akhilesh Yadav, the police registered a First Information Report against 55 unidentified individuals. During the investigation, several accused including Abdullah, Talib, Noman, Faizan, Kallu and Saddam were arrested. Authorities said further identification of suspects was underway with the help of viral videos circulating on social media.
February 26, 2026
20. Derogatory Remarks on Hindu Deities During Ceremony Spark Tension in Rewa
Tension arose in the Kailashpuri area of Rewa after objectionable remarks about Hindu deities were broadcast during a housewarming ceremony on February 26, 2026.
The ceremony had been organised at the residence of local political functionary Sitaram Saket. Around 10 a.m., a Buddhist preacher delivering a discourse allegedly made derogatory remarks about several Hindu deities, including Shiva, Maa Durga, Krishna and Maa Kali, through loudspeakers. Local residents stated that the remarks continued for a prolonged period, causing anger among Hindu families in the neighbourhood.
Responding to the incident, Sitaram Saket said that many people had gathered at his residence for the function and stated that if inappropriate remarks had been made, he accepted responsibility and apologised.
21. Hindu Minor Threatened After Being Seen With Muslim Girl in Chikkamagaluru
A 17-year-old Hindu boy was allegedly threatened and verbally abused by a group of Muslim youths in Chikkamagaluru after he was seen riding a motorbike with a Muslim girl on February 26, 2026.
The incident took place at Jyoti Circle on Market Road in the Malad town area during the evening hours. According to the complaint, the boy was travelling on his bike with the minor Muslim girl, who was known to him since childhood. A group of Muslim youths stopped them on the road and confronted the boy, questioning him for taking the girl on his motorcycle. The argument at the spot was eventually diffused.
Later the same night, the confrontation escalated when several youths reportedly went to the boy’s residence in the Tamil Colony area. They allegedly entered the house, verbally abused the boy and his family members, and issued death threats.
The boy belongs to a Scheduled Caste Hindu family and had grown up in the same locality as the Muslim girl. Family members stated that the two were childhood friends.
22. Hindu Youths Assaulted and Stone-Pelting Reported During Birthday Party Dispute in Meerut
Several Hindu youths were assaulted and members of the local Hindu community were subjected to stone-pelting following a dispute over DJ music during a birthday celebration in Bhawanpur village of Meerut on February 26, 2026.
The incident occurred when Nishant, a resident of Abdul Lalpur, was celebrating his birthday with friends on a private plot where music was being played on a DJ system. During the gathering, a group of around 20–25 youths from the Muslim community reportedly entered the venue and objected to the music, pressuring those present to stop the DJ. The disagreement soon escalated into a confrontation.
According to the complaint, the group allegedly began assaulting the Hindu youths present at the celebration. The victims named in the complaint included Nishant along with his friends Aditya, son of Satyaprakash; Rahul, son of Ranjeet; and Abhishek, son of Satyaveer. The attackers were identified as Arshad, son of Shahid; Junaid, son of Islam; Shubham; Amar; Nadeem; and several others. The victims also reported that death threats were issued during the attack.
23. Elderly Hindu Man Shot Dead During Robbery in Chittagong District, Bangladesh
A 70-year-old Hindu man was shot dead by unidentified assailants during a robbery in Chandanaish Upazila of Chittagong District on February 26, 2026.
The victim, Chandan Kumar Dey, was killed around 4:45 a.m. in Badrupura Hindupada of Ward No. 1 under Chandanaish Municipality in the district. An armed group of five to ten individuals reportedly arrived in a microbus and first raided a neighbouring cowshed, loading two cows onto a vehicle. The group later cut through the tin wall of Chandan Dey’s cowshed and attempted to take his cattle. When he realised what was happening and tried to resist, the robbers warned him not to come out of the house.
The attackers dragged three cows from his cowshed and loaded them into the vehicle. After hearing the vehicle leaving, Chandan Dey stepped outside and saw that two of the robbers were still near the cowshed. When he tried to alert neighbours by shouting, the robbers opened fire on him in front of his wife. He died on the spot after being shot. The attackers then fled the area.
24. Hindu Woman Alleges Rape on False Promise of Marriage, Conversion Pressure
A Hindu woman in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, filed a police complaint on February 26, 2026, alleging that she was repeatedly raped by a Muslim man who had promised to marry her and later pressured her to convert to Islam.
According to the complaint lodged at Thakurganj Police Station, the accused, identified as Shadab Ansari (25), had established contact with the woman and assured her that he would marry her. Trusting his assurances, she remained in contact with him. During this period, he allegedly had sexual relations with her multiple times on the promise of marriage.
The woman later stated that when she raised the issue of marriage, the accused refused to go ahead with it. When she protested, he allegedly assaulted her, abused her, and issued death threats. She further alleged that the accused told her he would marry her only if she converted to Islam before the marriage.
25. Hindu Cab Driver Assaulted, Vehicle Vandalised for Displaying “Jai Shri Ram” Sticker
A Hindu cab driver was assaulted and his vehicle vandalised by a group of men in Hyderabad, Telangana, after they objected to a “Jai Shri Ram” sticker displayed on the rear of his cab. The incident occurred late on the night of February 26, 2026, in the JB Nagar area of the city.
The victim, identified as Suresh Goud, was reportedly surrounded by a group of around 30 Muslim men who confronted him over the sticker. The group allegedly pulled him out of the vehicle and physically assaulted him. During the attack, the mob also smashed the window panes of his cab, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
26. Over 400 Tribal Hindu Families in Chhattisgarh Targeted and Converted Through Pressure
In the forest regions of the Pandaria assembly constituency in Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh, more than 400 tribal Hindu families across Neur, Kui Kukdur, Damgarh, and Kulhidonri villages were reportedly targeted and converted from Hinduism through inducements and pressure by foreign-funded NGOs and missionary groups. Members of these communities, vulnerable due to geographic isolation, limited access to government schemes, and economic hardships, were persuaded to abandon their faith with offers of jobs, education, and healthcare.
Around 115 tribal Hindus were affected in Neur, 70 in Kui Kukdur, 50 in Damgarh, and 165 in Kulhidonri. The conversions were carried out not through open religious dialogue but via subtle coercion, manipulation, and prolonged pressure, exploiting the victims’ dependence and trust.
In response, MLA Bhavna Bohra organised a Ghar Wapsi ceremony in Kulhidonri, restoring 165 families to Hinduism, and announced that the Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantrya Bill 2026, aimed at regulating fraudulent and coercive religious conversions, would be introduced in the upcoming Assembly session.
27. Christian “Paani Wale Baba” Uses Faith Healing to Target Hindu Mahadalit
In Chatar village under Badhra police station in Bhojpur district, Bihar, Hindu families from the economically marginalised Mahadalit community were reportedly targeted by a Christian man known locally as “Paani wale Baba” for religious conversion. The perpetrator, a resident of Muzaffarpur, used faith healing practices and the distribution of free religious literature from Nepal to influence Hindu villagers in the Pakadiya Tola and Bind Toli areas.
Known for treating ailments through water and faith-based methods referred to locally as jhad phoonk, he offered free treatment and promised miraculous cures, gradually steering Hindu residents toward conversion. The activities were calculated, exploiting the economic vulnerability and limited healthcare access of the Mahadalit families, and aimed at gaining trust before introducing religious literature and conversion efforts.
The situation escalated when local residents and workers from Hindu organisations, including Bajrang Dal, gathered after news of the conversion attempts spread.
February 27, 2026
28. Vishnu Idols Stolen in Joypurhat, Accused Arrested During Border Patrol Operation
Two idols of the Hindu deity Vishnu were recovered during a security operation in the Sadar Upazila of Joypurhat District on the night of February 27, 2026, after a man was detained while carrying them in a plastic bag.
The recovery took place at around 1:30 am in the Kamar village area when a special patrol team from the Joypurhat Battalion (20 BGB), led by Lt. Col. Mohammad Latiful Bari, conducted an operation based on confidential intelligence. During the patrol, security personnel became suspicious of a man standing in a secluded location carrying a white plastic bag. He was detained and identified as Shahidul Islam, a 40-year-old Muslim man and son of the late Moyez Uddin of Rashidnagar Tulat village.
Upon questioning, he was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the contents of the bag. During further interrogation, he disclosed that the bag contained stolen idols of the Hindu deity Vishnu. A search led to the recovery of one large and one small Vishnu idol carved from Kashti stone. The larger idol weighed 28 kilograms and 500 grams, while the smaller idol weighed 2 kilograms and 200 grams. The estimated value of the idols was approximately Tk 30 lakh 70 thousand.
The idols and the detained individual were subsequently handed over to the concerned police station after completion of the required legal formalities. Authorities stated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling and trafficking of archaeological and religious artefacts in border areas.
29. Hindu Activist Assaulted While Promoting Cultural Event in Kodagu, Four Arrested
A Hindu activist was seriously injured after being assaulted by a group of men in the Napoklu area of Kodagu District on February 27, 2026, while promoting a Hindu cultural gathering scheduled for the following day.
The victim, Appachira Gautham Cariappa, was campaigning in the locality for the Hindu Sangama programme planned in Ballamavatti on February 28. During the promotional activity, he was attacked by several Muslim men and sustained serious injuries. He received initial treatment at a nearby medical facility and was later shifted to the district hospital in Madikeri for further care.
Police registered a case and launched an investigation following the incident. Four men were arrested in connection with the assault. The accused were identified as Suhail P. H. (24) of Karekadu, K. E. Siddique (20) of Bethu village, P. M. Nafi (19) of Napoklu, and P. A. Rashid (30) of Napoklu. They were produced before the Virajpet Magistrate Court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
30. Journalist’s Remarks on Mahabharata Characters Spark Controversy
A controversy emerged after journalist Mrinal Pandey made remarks on social media referencing female characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, drawing criticism from several users.
The discussion began when an X user commented on wedding photographs of actress Rashmika Mandanna and actor Vijay Deverakonda, stating that the couple gave “Draupadi and Arjuna vibes” from the Mahabharata. Responding to the post, Pandey wrote that she hoped the bride’s fate would be different from that of characters such as Draupadi, Kunti, Gandhari, Tara, Mandodari, and Ahalya.
Her comment drew responses from several users, including X user Namita Balyan, who wrote that these women were significant and powerful figures in the epic and that judging them solely through their marital experiences overlooked their wider roles and contributions.
During the exchange, Pandey also referred to Draupadi using the term “Chidagnikund Sam Bhuta,” interpreting it as indicating a personality shaped by intense inner fire, anger, and self-respect. Her interpretation was later challenged by Sanskrit scholar Nityanand Mishra, who stated that the term “Chidagnikundasambhuta” did not appear in the critical edition of the Mahabharata in reference to Draupadi.
Mishra explained that the expression is traditionally associated with the goddess Lalita in the Lalita Sahasranama and the Brahmanda Purana. He also noted that the Sanskrit word “Chid” refers to consciousness rather than anger, and that the phrase means “born from the fire altar of consciousness.”
February 28, 2026
31. Century-old Kali Temple Vandalised in Patuakhali
A century-old Hindu temple was attacked and its deity vandalised in Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali District on the night of February 28, 2026.
The incident took place at around 9:30 pm at the Southineshwar Kali Temple located in Bhubansahar Kachari of Sadar Union. Temple authorities stated that a group of unidentified individuals entered the temple premises under cover of darkness and carried out vandalism inside the shrine. During the incident, a Kali idol installed in the temple was damaged.
Local residents reported that Hindu and Muslim communities in the area had historically maintained peaceful relations and stated that the attack was believed to have been carried out by outsiders.
Police officials from Bauphal Police Station reached the site after receiving information about the vandalism and conducted an inspection of the temple premises. Authorities confirmed that one Kali idol had been damaged in the incident.
Officer in Charge Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman stated that the matter was under investigation and legal proceedings were being initiated. Police also indicated that a specialist team from the Criminal Investigation Department would examine the site and conduct forensic testing before further action is taken.
March 01, 2026
32. Pakistan President Urges Restrained Holi Celebrations Amid Security Concerns
President Asif Ali Zardari called on the Hindu community in Pakistan to celebrate the festival of Holi in a restrained manner this year, citing regional tensions and security concerns.
On March 1, 2026, a post from the president’s official account on the social media platform X stated that Hindus should celebrate Holi in a simple and limited manner while keeping in view the situation on Pakistan’s western border and the prevailing tensions in the region. The message emphasised the need for unity and shared responsibility during the period.
Following the appeal, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said that the president had urged Hindus to avoid large public gatherings during the festival. He stated that under the existing circumstances, ensuring national security and the safety of citizens was a shared responsibility. He also directed the Pakistan Hindu Council to review preparations for Holi events across the country and cooperate with local authorities while avoiding large gatherings.
32. Conversion Attempt Alleged at Healing Meeting in Raipur
Around 150 Hindu residents were allegedly targeted for religious conversion during a healing meeting organised at a café in Raipur on March 1, 2026. The gathering, described as a Changai Sabha, was held at Divine Café in the Katora Talab area.
A complaint submitted to the police by Yogesh Bariha, a member of a Hindu organisation, stated that the meeting was used to encourage attendees to convert to Christianity. During the programme, participants were addressed with sermons centred on Christian teachings. The complaint alleged that inducements such as employment opportunities, access to government jobs, medical treatment, and financial assistance were offered to persuade people to change their faith.
The complaint further stated that Hindu deities were denigrated during the meeting, with speakers declaring Jesus Christ to be greater than God and presenting Christianity as the greatest religion. When some attendees objected to these remarks, they were allegedly pushed and verbally abused.
Individuals identified as Saifeen Masih, Amin Christian, Jacob Das, Shrikant Manhar, and Uday Prasad introduced themselves during the event. It was stated that the programme had been organised by Jacob Das from Balodabazar.
After receiving information about the meeting, Yogesh Bariha and other members of Hindu organisations reached the venue and objected to the remarks made during the gathering. A heated exchange followed inside the premises, during which slogans were raised and tensions escalated, causing panic among several women and girls present at the meeting.
Police were informed about the incident and reached the café soon afterwards. As officers arrived, some individuals left the venue. Four persons—identified as Saifeen, Amin, Uday, and Shrikant—were detained for questioning, and people present at the café were evacuated while further action was initiated.
33. Conversion Drive in Rae Bareli Village Sparks Clash; 12 Arrested
A religious conversion drive in Mubarakpur village of Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh, triggered tension on 1 March 2026 after Christian evangelists allegedly organised a large prayer gathering where Hindu villagers were persuaded to convert to Christianity. The meeting took place inside a private house where nearly 200–250 villagers, including men, women and children, had assembled. Many of them belonged to economically weaker and Scheduled Caste families.
During the gathering, participants were reportedly encouraged to adopt Christianity through the distribution of religious literature, including copies of the Bible, and through promises of financial and material assistance. Villagers who resisted the proposal of conversion were allegedly threatened and pressured to change their faith. A board displaying writings related to religious conversion was also found at the premises along with other Christian religious materials.
The incident escalated when members of Hindu organisations reached the location after receiving information about the gathering. They objected to the meeting, stating that no administrative permission had been taken for organising such a large assembly. A confrontation followed between the organisers and the activists, during which a scuffle broke out and threats were reportedly issued.
Police teams soon arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Officers including Circle Officer Pradeep Kumar of the Maharajganj area and Harchandpur station in-charge Harikesh Singh intervened to restore order and began an inquiry into the matter.
Based on a written complaint submitted at Harchandpur police station, a case was registered against twelve individuals: Ramrati, Kajal Pasi, Savita, Savitri, Santlal Pasi, Ramsamujh, Dhirendra Kumar, Moni Pasi, Ramkishore Pasi, Ankesh Kumar Pasi, Himanshu Pasi and Ramsumer. Police arrested all the accused and initiated further investigation.
During questioning, the accused admitted that they had organised prayer meetings and distributed Christian religious books while encouraging villagers to convert to Christianity. Investigators said such meetings had reportedly been held in the village earlier as well, often targeting poor and illiterate families.
Local residents claimed similar gatherings had occurred multiple times in the past without official permission. Authorities stated that strict action would be taken after the completion of the investigation.
34. Ambedkarite Leader’s Speech Sparks Controversy Over Remarks Targeting Hindus
A public speech by Ambedkarite politician Sunil Astay triggered controversy after he delivered remarks and slogans targeting Hindus during a gathering, videos of which were later circulated on social media on 1 March 2026.
Astay, a founder member of the Azaad Samaj Party and former state president of the Bhim Army, addressed a gathering where he used aggressive rhetoric while referring to so-called “Manuvaadis.” In a video shared from his official account on X (Twitter), he said in Hindi that those he described as Manuvaadis would not fear guns or swords but would fear the shoes of Chamars. The statement was delivered in a confrontational tone before a crowd.
In the same address, Astay also spoke about mobilising large numbers of supporters and declared that one lakh people would gather to install a statue of B. R. Ambedkar at a High Court, signalling plans for a mass demonstration.
Another video shared on the same day showed Astay leading provocative slogans at a public gathering. One of the slogans raised by him and his supporters stated “Manuvaad ki chaati par Birsa, Phule, Ambedkar,” invoking the names of Birsa Munda, Jyotiba Phule and Ambedkar while positioning them in ideological opposition to what he termed Manuvaad.
The speeches and slogans quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing attention to the language used in the address. Astay had earlier contested elections as an MLA candidate from Agar in Madhya Pradesh.
No official action regarding the remarks had been publicly reported at the time the videos circulated online.
Taken together, the 34 reported incidents within a single week paint a troubling picture of recurring intimidation, violence, and attempts at religious coercion affecting Hindu communities in multiple regions. While police action and arrests in several cases demonstrate that law enforcement mechanisms are functioning, the frequency and geographical spread of such incidents underline deeper structural challenges related to communal harmony, minority rights, and protection of sacred spaces. The pattern also reveals the role of digital misinformation and cross-border tensions in amplifying vulnerabilities. Addressing these concerns will require not only swift legal action against perpetrators but also sustained policy attention, stronger community awareness, and institutional safeguards to ensure that religious freedom and constitutional rights are protected for all.
