Between March 16 and March 22, 2026, India witnessed a deeply concerning pattern of incidents targeting Hindu communities, temples, and devotees across multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka, along with troubling cases reported from Bangladesh and Nepal. These incidents ranged from alleged cases of deception, grooming, and forced religious conversions of Hindu women and minors by individuals concealing their identities, to mob attacks on devotees during religious festivals, desecration of idols, and threats aimed at disrupting temple activities and sacred traditions. In several instances, public and religious spaces were misused to intimidate communities, while offensive remarks against Hindu deities and systematic attempts to undermine religious practices reflected a broader pattern of hostility. The scale and spread of these incidents point towards a growing vulnerability and a disturbing level of coordination and audacity among perpetrators.
At a time when such ground realities risk being ignored or diluted in mainstream discourse, it becomes our responsibility at Organiser to be the voice of Hindus, consistently bringing these stories from the ground to the forefront, ensuring that victims are heard, facts are documented, and the larger societal implications are neither dismissed nor forgotten.
The detailed incidents from March 16 to March 22, 2026, are given below.
March 16, 2026
1. Controversy in Maharashtra Assembly Over Remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
On 16 March 2026, during a discussion on the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai, a controversy arose following remarks made by Jitendra Awhad, a Member of Legislative Assembly from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction). The remarks were related to the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and were reported to be based on a reference from a book. The statement was immediately objected to by members of the ruling party, who described it as objectionable and disrespectful.
The situation led to a disruption in the Assembly, with several legislators protesting inside the House. Proceedings were halted and adjourned for approximately ten minutes. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar intervened, directing Awhad to withdraw his remarks and issue an apology. He also ordered that the statements be expunged from the official records.
During the proceedings, state minister Shambhuraj Desai criticised the remarks and called for an apology, stating that misinterpretation of historical references to insult a revered figure would not be accepted. Nitesh Rane also demanded strict action, including suspension, and stated that the initial apology offered was insufficient.
Amid continued protests, Awhad withdrew his statement and issued a formal apology in the Assembly, expressing regret for hurting sentiments. The incident drew reactions from multiple legislators, who stated that remarks concerning Shivaji Maharaj were unacceptable.
The controversy also circulated widely on social media, where related videos and reactions were shared, increasing public attention on the incident.
2. Stone-Pelting Incident at Temple Following Local Dispute in Raipur
On 16 March 2026, a violent incident was reported from the Maudhapara police station area near BTS Chowk in Talab Para, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. According to reports, two individuals, Mohammad Altaf and Rashid Ali, were attacked with knives due to an old rivalry. The accused in the हमला were identified as Ravi Raxel, Harsh, Lokesh Raxel, and Abhay Raxel. The घायल were hospitalised and reported to be in stable condition.
Police responded promptly by registering a case of attempted murder and rioting. The named accused were arrested, and efforts were initiated to apprehend others involved in the incident.
Following the stabbing, tensions escalated in the locality as members of the Muslim community gathered in large numbers, demanding immediate action, despite police proceedings already being underway. The situation turned volatile when stone-pelting was reported at the Marhi Mata temple, causing disruption in the area and concern among local residents.
The confrontation extended to areas around the police station, where crowds from both communities assembled and raised slogans, further heightening tensions. In response, heavy police deployment from multiple stations was carried out to restore order and prevent escalation.
Authorities registered separate cases against individuals from both groups involved in the clashes, including those accused of stone-pelting and intimidation. Senior police officials monitored the situation closely.
During the developments, members of the Bajrang Dal gathered near the police station and demanded strict action against those responsible for the temple attack, warning of retaliation if action was not taken. The situation remained tense for several hours before being brought under control through police intervention.
3. Incident at Varanasi Ghats Following Iftar Gathering on Boat
On 16 March 2026, an incident was reported from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, involving activities conducted on a boat in the Ganga River near the Bindu Madhav Temple and adjoining ghats. According to reports, a group of Muslim youths organised an iftar gathering on the boat as it moved between Assi Ghat and Namo Ghat.
During the gathering, the individuals reportedly offered namaz and later consumed food, including dates, fruits, and chicken biryani. It was alleged that after the meal, food remains, including bones, were thrown into the river. Videos of the gathering circulated on social media, drawing reactions from various quarters.
A complaint was filed at the Kotwali police station by Rajat Jaiswal, associated with the BJP Yuva Morcha, who alleged that the act had hurt religious sentiments. He also submitted video evidence along with the complaint and demanded action against those involved.
Acting on the complaint, police registered a case and initiated an investigation. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh, two teams were formed to identify and apprehend those involved. Within hours, 14 individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, and further action was stated to be underway.
Reactions also came from community representatives. Syed Mohammad Yasin, joint secretary of the Anjuman Intazamia Masjid in Varanasi, criticised the actions of the individuals involved, describing them as inappropriate and stating that such conduct did not align with the intended religious nature of iftar.
The case has been recorded in connection with the reported activities near the temple and ghats, along with the subsequent police action taken against those involved.
4. USCIRF Report Falsely Vilifying Hindu Organisation RSS Draws Political Reactions
On 16 March 2026, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report assessing religious freedom in various countries, including India. In the report, the commission recommended that India be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” and called for targeted sanctions against certain entities, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and India’s external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing.
The report stated that these entities should face measures such as asset freezes and entry restrictions into the United States, alleging their involvement in or responsibility for violations of religious freedom. It also linked the influence of what it described as “Hindu nationalism” to a perceived deterioration in the condition of religious minorities in India.
Additionally, the report examined legislative and policy measures such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, anti-conversion laws, and cow protection laws within its broader assessment. It also referred to political developments and public discourse, mentioning leaders including Narendra Modi and Amit Shah in the context of election-related rhetoric, as well as revisiting historical issues such as the 1992 Babri structure demolition.
The Government of India rejected the report’s findings, describing them as biased and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the commission continued to misrepresent facts about India and urged it to take note of incidents affecting Hindu temples and members of the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Political reactions were also reported within India. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticised the Congress party for supporting the report’s recommendations and alleged that such positions undermined national institutions. The Indian National Congress was reported to have cited the report in its criticism of the RSS.
5. Idols of Hindu Deities Desecrated by Unidentified Miscreants in Murshidabad
On 16 March 2026, an incident of vandalism took place in the Chunakhali Shyambazar area of Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, where idols of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva were desecrated inside a pandal.
Unidentified miscreants entered the pandal during the night and damaged the idols. The next morning, local Hindu residents discovered the vandalism and blocked Jalangi Road in protest. When police personnel reached the spot, protests intensified around them.
Protesters stated that police attempted to remove the blockade without addressing their complaints. They also alleged that the police tried to take away the broken idols and pressured the puja committee to abandon them.
Local Hindu residents demanded that those responsible be identified and arrested. Police later stated that the situation was brought under control and appealed for peace, while maintaining a vigil in the area.
Following the incident, political figures including Subrata Maitra and Gauri Shankar Ghosh visited the site and called for a proper investigation, questioning the role of the administration.
The perpetrators remain unidentified, and the case status is currently unknown.
March 17, 2026
6. High Court Order Restricting DJ Use During Ram Navami Processions in Palamu
On 17 March 2026, restrictions were imposed on Ram Navami processions in Palamu district, Jharkhand, following directions attributed to the Jharkhand High Court, which prohibited the use of DJ music during the festival across areas including Vishrampur, Naudiha Bazaar, and Chhatarpur.
The decision was communicated through a series of peace committee meetings held at local police stations. In Vishrampur, a meeting chaired by Police Inspector Ramashish Paswan was attended by Block Development Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh, Station House Officer Rishikesh Dubey, and other administrative and police officials, along with elected representatives and members of both communities. Discussions focused on maintaining order during Ram Navami, Eid, Chaitra Chhath, and Sarhul.
In Naudiha Bazaar, a separate meeting chaired by Station House Officer Amit Kumar Dwivedi and attended by SDPO Awadh Yadav, Circle Officer Sanjay Kumar Singh, and other officials reiterated that DJ music would not be permitted during Ram Navami processions. The administration directed that the festival be observed in a traditional manner, citing court orders as the basis for the restriction.
Similarly, in Chhatarpur, a meeting chaired by Police Inspector Dwarka Ram with representatives of various Akharas stated that the Jharkhand government had enforced a statewide prohibition on DJ music during religious processions. It was conveyed that any violation would be treated as contempt of court.
Members of Akharas were required to formally agree to comply with these directives. The administration emphasised adherence to the restrictions, appealed for peace and communal harmony, and warned of legal consequences for non-compliance while deploying monitoring measures to ensure enforcement.
7. Sacred Hindu Ashram Premises Defiled Following Iftar Gathering in Shravasti
On 17 March 2026, an incident was reported near the Sonpathri Ashram in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, where activities conducted by a group of Muslim youths led to objections from local Hindu residents and authorities.
A group of individuals organised a non-vegetarian iftar gathering near a drain located adjacent to the ashram. During the gathering, non-vegetarian food was consumed and bones were discarded into the water body. The water from this source was used by the ashram for religious activities, including rituals, cleaning of idols, preparation of food for bhandara, and by devotees for bathing and drinking.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, following which Mahant Harisharanand Maharaj of the ashram raised objections and filed a police complaint. In his complaint, he stated that the act had affected the sanctity of the site and was intentional in nature.
Following the complaint and emergence of the video, police registered a First Information Report at Sirsia police station. Four individuals, Jamal Ahmed, Irfan Ahmed, Imran Ahmed alias Immy, and Zaheer Khan, were arrested and sent to judicial custody. Authorities stated that further investigation was underway, including identification of other individuals seen in the video.
The situation in the area remained tense for some time after the incident, with police monitoring developments and taking steps to maintain order.
8. Conversion Attempt Alleged at Village Gathering in Purnia
On 17 March 2026, an incident was reported from Dumri village in the Rupauli block of Purnia, Bihar, where a gathering organised at a villager’s residence led to allegations of attempted religious conversion.
The event was conducted under the Tika Patti police station area, where arrangements such as tents, gates, and banners had been set up for a meeting described as a healing programme. The gathering was led by Pastor Jawahar Prasad Chaurasia.
Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad reached the location after receiving information about the event. During the interaction, the pastor stated that the purpose of the gathering was to heal people from diseases. However, activists questioned the nature of the programme and objected to it, alleging that it involved attempts to persuade local Hindu villagers towards religious conversion through inducements.
The activists, along with local villagers, disrupted the gathering. Pastor Jawahar Prasad Chaurasia and others present at the event left the location following the confrontation and were warned against conducting similar activities in the area.
Local functionaries, including Abhinavraj and others from the Rupauli block, were present during the incident. The matter was reported to the police, but by the time authorities arrived, the situation had already been brought under control at the spot.
9. Hindu religious text desecrated and Brahmins targeted with derogatory remarks by politician in Patna
In Patna, Bihar, Hindu religious sentiments were outraged as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supporter Manish Yadav publicly burnt the Hindu holy book Manusmriti. Apart from this, the accused also made derogatory remarks against Brahmins.
This incident occurred at the Patna University campus. The accused, Manish Yadav, stated that the country was historically run by Brahmins and presented a narrative suggesting that they had monopolised resources and power. This was followed by burning a picture of the Manusmriti while chanting slogans such as “Manusmriti murdābād.”
A video of this incident went viral on several social media platforms on March 17, 2026, leading to outrage among members of the Hindu community, who viewed it as an attack on their religious sentiments.
10. Hindus targeted and harassed in Delhi locality; sustained intimidation aimed at forcing migration
In Tri Nagar, Delhi, Hindu residents were intimidated, harassed, and abused by Muslim residents in a sustained pattern of pressure aimed at forcing them to flee their locality.
On 17 March 2026, a video surfaced online in which multiple Hindu residents spoke about their situation, describing prolonged harassment, intimidation, and coercion over the past one to one-and-a-half years. Residents stated that after certain properties in the area were purchased by Muslim individuals, a pattern of pressure began to build, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Residents described how the locality, once peaceful and socially cohesive, had undergone a significant change. They reported overcrowding in residential buildings, with large numbers of individuals living in confined spaces, along with incidents of reckless bike riding in narrow lanes, making it unsafe for children to play outside. Women and children were allegedly subjected to lewd comments, and objections by residents were often met with aggressive or dismissive responses.
Concerns were also raised regarding surveillance and privacy. Residents stated that CCTV cameras had been installed in a manner that monitored public movement as well as areas around homes, and that videos of children and daily activities were recorded and circulated, creating a constant sense of fear.
Several residents also reported incidents of provocation, including the throwing of garbage packets containing bones and other waste materials during the night, which would later be scattered in the area. They stated that such acts were repeated and contributed to tension and distress in the locality.
Instances of petty crime, including snatching, were also highlighted. Residents described situations where individuals were stopped, robbed of mobile phones and money, raising concerns about safety within their own neighbourhood.
Over time, these combined factors led to growing pressure on Hindu families to leave the area. Some residents stated that families had already migrated due to the ongoing situation, while others were considering leaving as daily life had become increasingly difficult. Despite this, several residents asserted that they did not want to abandon their homes but were struggling under continuous intimidation.
Residents also stated that complaints had been made to authorities, but no effective action was taken, leaving them feeling unprotected and compelled to rely on their own measures for safety.
11. Hindu deity and Sabarimala temple mocked; derogatory remarks by politician spark outrage in Kerala
In Kerala, Hindu religious sentiments were insulted after Indian leftist politician M. M. Mani made derogatory remarks about Hindu beliefs, Swami Ayyappa and the Sabarimala Temple.
The incident occurred during a televised interaction, where M. M. Mani, a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), made disparaging remarks about a revered Hindu deity. He claimed that Lord Ayyappa was not “vomited by someone” but delivered by a woman, a statement seen as mocking Hindu religious narratives and beliefs. He also questioned the restriction on the entry of women of menstruating age into the Sabarimala Temple, invoking a long-standing and sensitive issue linked to temple traditions.
The remarks drew criticism and were viewed in the context of earlier instances where statements by leaders associated with the same political stream were perceived as disrespectful towards Hindu beliefs and practices.
12. Hindu Mother and Daughter Allegedly Attacked by Muslim Men in South 24 Parganas Over Wearing Tilak
An incident was reported from South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, on March 17, 2026, involving an alleged attack on a Hindu mother and her daughter. According to the case details, the two were targeted while wearing a tilak, which was cited as the reason for the confrontation.
As per the information provided, the victims were subjected to physical assault and were also allegedly threatened. The situation reportedly involved the use of communal slurs directed at them during the incident.
The alleged perpetrators are described as a group of Muslim men. The claims state that the confrontation escalated into violence, though it did not result in any fatalities.
The case has been categorized as an attack linked to the victims’ Hindu identity. No additional details regarding arrests, police action, or further developments have been specified in the provided information.
March 18, 2026
13. DJ Use Prohibited During Ram Navami Processions in Ramgarh, Jharkhand
An incident was reported from Ramgarh district, Jharkhand, on March 18, 2026, where the local administration imposed restrictions on Ram Navami celebrations by prohibiting the use of DJs in processions. The decision was announced during a peace committee meeting held the same day.
According to available information, the meeting was conducted from morning until around 1 pm to discuss arrangements for upcoming festivals, including Sarhul, Ram Navami, and Eid. The meeting was chaired by the police station in-charge, Omprakash Sah, and was conducted by Mahendra Soni, husband of the Uldanda Panchayat Mukhiya. Several public representatives and local dignitaries from the Ramgarh block area were present.
During the meeting, the police administration stated that security arrangements would be put in place for the processions, including deployment of police personnel. Officials also announced a blanket prohibition on the use of DJs during Ram Navami processions.
Participants in the meeting, including district council member Chhotan Singh and Ramgarh Mukhiya Uma Shankar Prasad, were reported to have supported the decision.
14. DJ and Firecracker Ban Imposed on Ram Navami Procession in Katihar, Bihar
An incident was reported from Barari in Katihar district, Bihar, on March 18, 2026, where Ram Navami celebrations were curtailed following administrative restrictions. The police administration announced a ban on the use of DJs and firecrackers during the Ram Navami procession.
According to the available information, a peace committee meeting was held at the Barari police station premises to discuss arrangements for Ram Navami and Eid. The meeting was chaired by station in-charge Sumesh Kumar and attended by public representatives, social workers, and members of the local community. During the meeting, it was stated that the region has a history of celebrating festivals with cooperation, and both Hindu and Muslim communities were urged to maintain peace.
The administration directed that Ram Navami processions should be conducted only after obtaining the required licenses and must follow designated routes. It was also announced that the use of DJs and firecrackers would not be permitted during the procession.
Officials further stated that strict vigilance would be maintained on antisocial elements, and that social media activity would be monitored for objectionable content during the festival period.
The meeting was attended by several individuals, including Block Panchayat Raj Officer Raj Kumar Singh, former Mukhiya Niamatur Rahman, former Mukhiya Amarendra Singh Sanju, Panchayat Samiti member Mithlesh Yadav, along with representatives from various political and social groups.
The case has been categorized under restriction on religious practices, specifically administrative action affecting a Hindu festival. No further developments have been reported.
15. DJ Ban Imposed on Ram Navami Processions in Gopalganj, Bihar
An incident was reported from Gopalganj district, Bihar, on March 18, 2026, where Ram Navami celebrations were curtailed after the police administration imposed a ban on the use of DJs during the procession. The decision was announced during a peace committee meeting held ahead of the festival.
According to available information, the meeting was conducted at a police station premises to ensure peaceful celebrations of Ram Navami and Eid. It was chaired by Station House Officer Roshan Kumar Singh and attended by Dhamdaha Block Development Officer Prakash Kumar and Municipal Council Mirganj Executive Officer Deepa Kumari, along with local public representatives, social workers, and members of both Hindu and Muslim communities.
During the meeting, officials stated that festivals such as Ram Navami and Eid should be observed with discipline and urged people to ignore rumours and report any suspicious activity. The administration also announced that the use of DJs would be completely prohibited during Ram Navami processions and that adherence to prescribed rules would be mandatory.
It was stated that a grand Ram Navami procession was planned for 2026, featuring tableaux, flags, and banners. At the same time, the administration outlined arrangements for Eid, including ensuring cleanliness, drinking water, electricity, and security at prayer sites, along with deployment of additional police forces around mosques and Eidgahs.
Officials further noted that security arrangements would be strengthened across the district, with special vigilance at sensitive locations, procession routes, and crowded areas. Those present at the meeting expressed their cooperation in maintaining peace and order.
16. Ram Navami Procession Restricted and DJ Use Banned in Mahudi, Jharkhand
An incident was reported from Mahudi village in Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand, on March 18, 2026, where the Ram Navami procession was restricted and the use of DJs was prohibited by the state administration. The decision led to reactions within the local community and became a subject of political discussion.
According to available information, the issue coincided with the final day of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly’s budget session, where the matter of restricting the Ram Navami procession in Mahudi village was raised. The restrictions, including the prohibition on DJ music, became a point of contention and were discussed within the Assembly as well as outside.
Legislators from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All Jharkhand Students Union raised objections to the administrative measures and staged a protest outside the Assembly premises in Ranchi. They held placards and raised slogans, stating that such restrictions on a religious procession interfered with established practices and public expression of faith.
Leaders including Roshanlal Choudhary, Nirmal Mahato, Lambodar Mahato, and Nira Yadav participated in the protest and stated that continued restrictions could lead to further agitation both inside the Assembly and at the public level.
The state government, represented by Minister Deepika Pandey Singh, responded to the allegations by stating that the restriction on DJ use was implemented in compliance with judicial directives and was not an independent executive decision. The government maintained that it was bound to follow court orders and rejected claims attributing political intent to the measure.
17. DJ Use Banned During Ram Navami Procession in Bhagalpur, Bihar
An incident was reported from Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, on March 18, 2026, where Ram Navami celebrations were curtailed after the local police administration banned the use of DJs in the procession. The decision was announced during a peace committee meeting held at the Sultanganj police station premises.
According to available information, the meeting was chaired by trainee IPS officer and station head Sayam Raza and focused on arrangements for Chaitra Navratri, Chhath, Ram Navami, and Eid. During the meeting, it was stated that additional police forces would be deployed at designated locations for both Ram Navami and Eid.
Officials directed that the Ram Navami procession would be allowed only along routes specified in the licence. It was also announced that the use of DJs in the procession would not be permitted. Following the discussion, greetings were extended for Eid, Navratri, and Ram Navami.
Those present at the meeting included Municipal Council Chief Councillor Rajkumar Guddu, Deputy Chief Councillor Neelam Devi, Member of Parliament representative Pawan Kesan, Law and Order Sadar DSP Navneet Kumar, Inspector Mrityunjay Kumar, and others.
In a related development, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rohit Kardam held a separate meeting in Navgachhia, where officials were instructed to identify sensitive locations and maintain heightened vigilance. Adequate police force along with magistrates was to be deployed at key points.
18. Offensive Comment Targeting Hanuman ji Posted on Instagram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh
An incident was reported from Khekra in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, on March 18, 2026, where an objectionable comment mocking Lord Hanuman was posted on a Hindu man’s Instagram account. The comment appeared on a post related to Lord Hanuman.
According to the complaint, the account holder, identified as Kapil, stated that the remark hurt his religious sentiments and raised concerns about its potential impact on the local environment. Following the incident, he filed a formal complaint at the Khekra police station seeking action against the unidentified individual responsible for the comment.
Police officials confirmed that the matter was under investigation. Station in-charge Prabhakar Kentura stated that efforts were being made to identify the account through technical evidence and that appropriate legal action would be taken.
19. Opinion Article on Uttam Nagar Incident Raises Allegations of Misrepresentation
An opinion piece titled “In Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, Hate is Free, But Muslim Safety Isn’t” authored by Apoorvanand and published on March 18, 2026, presented a perspective on the Uttam Nagar violence that has drawn attention for its portrayal of the incident.
The article was written in the context of the killing of a Hindu youth, Tarun Kumar, during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar. According to the details referenced, the incident occurred after a child allegedly spilt coloured water on a Muslim woman, following which the Hindu man was beaten to death. The opinion piece described the episode as a “quarrel between two families.”
The narrative in the article focused on concerns and reactions within the Muslim community in the aftermath of the incident, while also referring to slogans raised during protests and reactions from local residents. It presented these developments as part of a broader discussion on safety and communal tensions.
The article also drew references to historical events such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the Hashimpura massacre while discussing issues of communal violence and state response. Additionally, it raised questions regarding police conduct, while also noting that law enforcement had taken steps to prevent further escalation.
Administrative actions, including demolition measures linked to properties associated with the accused, were also discussed in the article, with emphasis on their impact as described in the piece.
20. Dalit Hindu Woman Assaulted and Abused with Casteist Slurs in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh
An incident was reported from Dehri village in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh, on March 18, 2026, where a Dalit Hindu woman was allegedly assaulted and abused after refusing to perform bonded labour. The victim, identified as Jalsa, wife of Prakash, was reportedly attacked by a man identified as Ashraf.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Jalsa was working in a field picking mustard belonging to a person named Tariq. During this time, the accused arrived and questioned her presence. When she clarified that she was working in Tariq’s field, he allegedly began abusing her with caste-based slurs.
As per the details provided, the accused then physically assaulted Jalsa by grabbing her, throwing her to the ground, and beating her with kicks and punches. He also allegedly issued threats to kill her. The victim sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Reports state that around ten women from the village reached the spot to intervene, but they were also abused and driven away. The victim later reported the matter to the local police outpost on the same day.
In her complaint, Jalsa stated that she had previously worked as a labourer for the accused for four years but had stopped due to illness. She alleged that he had been pressuring her to continue working under bonded labour conditions, and that the assault took place after she refused.
21. Hindu Families Targeted, Houses Vandalised in Hooghly, West Bengal
An incident was reported from the Garalgacha area of Tarakeswar in Hooghly district, West Bengal, on March 18, 2026, where three Hindu families were targeted and their houses vandalised by a mob following a social media post.
According to available information, the incident was triggered by a Facebook comment made by a Hindu man, identified as Vishal Rui Das, in response to content shared by a Bangladeshi user. The situation escalated beyond social media into the local area.
Residents stated that announcements were made through a mosque loudspeaker in the locality, calling people to gather. This was followed by the assembly of a mob, which then moved through the area and targeted houses belonging to Hindu families.
Eyewitness accounts described that three houses were singled out and vandalised, with damage caused to property. The incident led to panic in the locality, and the affected families were reported to be in a distressed condition. Residents also described an atmosphere of fear and tension following the घटना.
The matter drew the attention of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and member Partha Biswas visited the area to assess the situation and interact with those affected. Concerns regarding recurring tensions in the locality were raised during the visit.
Residents further alleged that police response was delayed and that several individuals involved had not been apprehended. Police officials stated that efforts were ongoing to identify and take action against those responsible.
22. Hindu Girl And Her Family Assault and Harassment by Muslim Men Reported in Palwal, Haryana
An incident of alleged harassment and assault was reported from Palwal district in Haryana, with the date of incident recorded as 18 March 2026. According to the complaint filed at Utawad police station, a Dalit Hindu woman was subjected to repeated harassment by an individual identified as Aijaz. The complaint states that he had been stalking her for a prolonged period, following her and engaging in acts of harassment near her residence. The family reportedly objected multiple times but did not escalate the matter earlier due to fear of the accused’s influential background.
The complaint further alleges that when the family initiated marriage arrangements for the woman, the accused misused social media to interfere with the proposed alliance, resulting in its breakdown. The woman was later married on 8 March 2026 to a resident of Faridabad district. On 15 March 2026, when relatives from her matrimonial side visited her parental home, the accused allegedly stood outside the house and made obscene remarks directed at her in the presence of family members.
According to the complaint, when the family objected to this conduct, several individuals identified as Faraz, Jishan, Sahroon, Kaif, and Asif arrived at the location. They were allegedly armed with axes, farsa, and sticks, and proceeded to assault members of the family. The complaint also states that caste-based abuses were used during the incident and that death threats were issued before the accused left the scene.
A complaint regarding the incident was lodged on 16 March 2026. Following this, ASI Mahesh Kumar conducted an initial inquiry at the site. On 18 March 2026, police registered a case under relevant legal provisions, including charges related to assault, molestation, and sections of the SC/ST Act. The case status is recorded as a complaint registered, and no fatalities were reported.
23. Hindu Woman and Minor Daughter Abducted, Assaulted in Sindh
In Dhilyar, Khipro, Sindh province, Pakistan, a Hindu woman named Pari, aged around 35 years, and her daughter Sapna, aged approximately 10 years, were abducted at gunpoint by armed Muslim men while travelling in the area. Media reports indicate that both victims were subjected to sexual assault and forcibly converted to Islam.
The perpetrators were identified as Muslim extremists, all male, with the number unknown. Members of the Hindu community and local activists raised concerns about the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of Hindu minorities in the region, who represent roughly 1.6–2% of Pakistan’s population, mostly in Sindh.
Authorities did not take immediate action and initially failed to register a police complaint. The case, documented with Case ID 30a7506 and dated March 18, 2026, reflects repeated instances of abduction, forced conversion, and coercion involving Hindu women and minor girls in Sindh, as noted by minority rights groups.
24. Hindu Youths Assaulted After Being Identified by Religious Symbols in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
An incident of assault was reported from the Kidwai Nagar area of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on 18 March 2026. According to the complaint, two Hindu youths, identified as Rahul Kumar Sharma, a resident of Juhi Lal Colony, and his friend Akash Sachan, were attacked following a minor vehicular collision involving their scooter and a car.
As per the complaint, three men identified as Shamshad, Naushad, and Sartaj, along with a woman, exited the car after the collision and began verbally abusing the victims. The situation escalated when the accused allegedly noticed religious symbols, including kalava (sacred thread) and kada (bracelet), worn by the victims. The complaint states that the accused identified them as Hindus and made statements indicating that they would be assaulted more severely for that reason.
According to the victims’ account, the accused then physically assaulted them using kicks and punches. When Akash Sachan attempted to intervene, he was also attacked. The complaint further alleges that the accused used sticks, rods, and bricks during the assault, causing injuries to the victims, including bleeding from the eye and nose in the case of Akash.
It is also stated that during the incident, the woman present with the group allegedly snatched a mobile phone from the victims, and bricks and stones were thrown, leading to panic in the area. The situation reportedly escalated until police intervened and brought it under control.
A case was subsequently registered at Kidwai Nagar police station against the named individuals. Station House Officer Dharmendra Kumar Ram confirmed that an investigation was underway, including the examination of CCTV footage, and efforts were being made to identify and apprehend all those involved. No fatalities were reported in the incident.
25. Ancient Hindu Temples Encroached Upon in Bharatpur, Rajasthan
An incident of alleged encroachment was reported from Neemli village under Bhusawar tehsil in Bharatpur district, Rajasthan, with the date of incident recorded as 18 March 2026. According to local residents, land associated with an ancient Hanuman temple and a Thakur Ji temple was targeted by unidentified individuals.
As per residents’ statements, the land parcels, identified under Khasra numbers 398 (0.2000 hectares) and 399 (0.3700 hectares), were subjected to attempts of illegal occupation. The accused reportedly brought construction materials such as wood and stones to the site and began efforts to establish permanent structures within the temple premises.
Villagers stated that both temples are significant centres of local religious faith and that the land has been used for religious purposes for generations. Concerns were raised that such construction activities could alter the character of the land and affect the temple premises.
According to the residents, when they objected to the alleged encroachment, the individuals involved responded aggressively, leading to tensions in the area. In response to the situation, villagers submitted a memorandum to the local administration, seeking measurement of the land, removal of the encroachments, and legal action against those responsible.
26. Multiple Hindu Temples Vandalised and Idols Desecrated in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
An incident of alleged temple vandalism was reported from Jalalpur Dhai village in the Gadaganj police station area of Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, with the date recorded as 18 March 2026. According to local information, several Hindu temples were targeted in what residents described as a coordinated act by unidentified individuals.
Reports state that three Mandir`s, including a Shiva Mandir, a Hanuman Mandir, and the Harshakani Devi Mandir, were vandalised. Temple idols were damaged, and worship materials were found scattered across the premises. It was also reported that the murti of Radha Rani was displaced from its designated position, and a temple bell was stolen.
The incident caused distress among local residents and led to a tense atmosphere in the area. Following the incident, police deployed additional personnel to maintain order. Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Sinha oversaw the response, and an investigation was initiated, including the examination of CCTV footage and questioning of individuals.
The case status remains unclear. The identity and number of those involved have not been specified. No injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the incident.
27. Hindu Deity Targeted with Offensive Social Media Posts in Faridabad, Haryana
An incident involving alleged offensive social media content was reported from Faridabad, Haryana, with the date recorded as 18 March 2026. According to the complaint, derogatory and inflammatory remarks targeting the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman were shared online by an individual identified as Harvansh Rai.
The matter came to light following a complaint filed by advocate Ajay Kumar Singh, who stated that the content posted from a Facebook account operated by the accused hurt religious sentiments. The complaint alleges that the posts contained objectionable remarks about the deity and also included statements directed at a particular caste.
During the investigation, authorities reported that the accused had presented himself as a practising lawyer despite not being enrolled with any Bar Council. The posts were secured by investigators as part of the evidence in the case. The prosecution submitted that such content had the potential to disturb social harmony.
The matter was heard by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where Justice Sumeet Goel dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by the accused. The court observed that the nature and gravity of the allegations, along with the requirement for a fair investigation, weighed against granting pre-arrest bail.
The case status is recorded as sub-judice. The accused is identified as a single individual, and no physical injuries or fatalities were reported in connection with the incident.
28. Hindu Wedding Attacked, Guests Assaulted and Robbed in Chandpur District, Bangladesh
An incident of assault and robbery was reported from Rayerkandi village in Matlab Uttar Upazila of Chandpur district, Bangladesh, with the date of incident recorded as 18 March 2026. According to available information, a group led by an individual identified as Mohan, son of Nabir Hossain, arrived at a Hindu wedding ceremony and demanded money from those present.
As per reports, the wedding of Sembu Nath, son of Babulal Bishwas, was taking place at the residence of Jiban Chandra Das when the group allegedly demanded one lakh taka. When the full amount was not paid, the demand was reportedly reduced to 30,000 taka. The wedding party offered 3,000 taka, which was accepted, but the group allegedly proceeded to attack the attendees.
The complaint states that the groom’s father, Babulal Bishwas, and his brother, Trinath Bishwas, were beaten during the incident. Gold chains were reportedly snatched from them, and furniture at the venue was vandalised. The group also allegedly extended the attack to nearby homes in the area. Trinath Bishwas sustained a head injury, and the injured individuals received initial treatment at Matlab Uttar Upazila Health Complex.
Local residents expressed concern following the incident. Union Parishad member Mohammed Selim Molla stated that he was informed after the incident and that police were contacted, following which officers arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Investigation Inspector Pradeep Mondal of Matlab Uttar police station stated that legal action would be taken based on the complaint.
29. Hindu Youths Denied Gym Access and Memberships Cancelled in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh
An incident of alleged discrimination was reported from Khurja in Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh, with the date of incident recorded as 18 March 2026. According to available information, nine Hindu youths were denied entry and had their memberships cancelled by the operator of JS Fitness Gym located in Mohalla Phoota Darwaza.
As per statements by one of the affected individuals, Abhishek Verma, the gym operator cancelled the memberships of him and eight other Hindu members who trained together at the facility. He alleged that the operator was giving preferential access to members of another community while denying entry to them. He also stated that the action followed a prior complaint he had filed against the operator, after which the memberships were cancelled.
The incident led to a public protest outside the gym, with a crowd gathering and demanding its closure. Police from Khurja reached the spot, brought the situation under control, and dispersed the crowd. Khurja Kotwali in-charge Dharmendra Singh confirmed that an investigation was underway and that legal action would be taken based on the findings.
March 19, 2026
30. Hindu Temple Land Allegedly Encroached and Property Misused in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh
An incident of alleged encroachment was reported from Kuda village in Jalaun tehsil, Uttar Pradesh, with the date recorded as 19 March 2026. According to a complaint submitted to local authorities, land associated with the ancient Maa Singh Vahini Temple was reportedly encroached upon by an individual identified as Afzal Qureshi.
As per the complaint filed by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jyoti Singh of Konch, there had been gradual encroachment on the land surrounding the temple. The complainants alleged that the accused attempted to take over a portion of the temple premises.
The complaint further stated that a tube well located within the temple premises had been fitted with a motor and was being used for private purposes. According to the complainants, this amounted to misuse of temple property.
Members of the organisation expressed concern that the situation could escalate if not addressed promptly and requested immediate administrative action. They also indicated that protests could be organised if no action was taken within a specified period.
Jyoti Singh confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action taken. The case status is recorded as a complaint filed. No information regarding injuries or fatalities has been reported.
31. Hindu Woman Alleges Deception, Forced Religious Practices After Marriage in Jharkhand
A Hindu woman from Rajmahal in Sahibganj district, Jharkhand, has alleged that she was deceived into a relationship and marriage by a Muslim youth identified as Shahid Anwar, who introduced himself as “Tony” and presented himself as a Hindu. According to her account, he gained her trust over time despite objections from her family, who had also filed a written complaint with the police. He later took her to Delhi, where the two were married at an Arya Samaj temple following Hindu rituals. At that stage, the woman reportedly expressed willingness to stay with him in court, which prevented immediate police action.
The woman has stated that about six months after the marriage, Shahid Anwar’s behaviour changed, and he allegedly began pressuring her to abandon her faith and convert to Islam. She has alleged that she was forced to eat beef, wear a burqa, and offer Namaz, and that she faced sustained mental harassment when she refused to comply. She eventually escaped and returned to her family, after which she disclosed the details of her experience.
Following her statement, a First Information Report was registered at Rajmahal Police Station. The accused was arrested and sent to judicial custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Social activist Madhavi Lata Mandal condemned the incident and called for the implementation of an anti-conversion law in Jharkhand similar to those in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. The report also referred to claims about similar incidents in the Rajmahal and Udhwa areas, where women were allegedly targeted through identity concealment and deceptive marriage.
32. Minor Tribal Hindu Girl Lured and Exploited by Muslim Men in Narmadapuram
In Hoshangabad district (now Narmadapuram), Madhya Pradesh, a minor tribal Hindu girl from the Scheduled Caste community was lured and sexually exploited by Zoef Khan, a Muslim man who posed as a Hindu youth named Ankit on Instagram.
Zoef Khan, employed as an order handler at a multinational pizza outlet, accessed personal data of female customers from food delivery orders. He contacted the minor, offered inducements like free pizzas, built a deceptive relationship, emotionally manipulated her, and persuaded her to leave home for Indore. There, he took her to the room of his acquaintance Abhishek without consent.
On March 19, 2026, Abhishek returned, grew suspicious due to the girl’s presence and signs of unauthorised entry, and informed members of a Hindu organisation. They arrived, apprehended Zoef Khan, and handed him to the police. A search of his phone revealed chats with multiple Hindu girls and pornographic videos of several victims, indicating a pattern of targeting, coercion, and blackmail.
Police questioning showed the girl initially knew him as Ankit and was shocked by his real identity. A kidnapping case was already registered at Hoshangabad police station. Following coordination between Narmadapuram and Indore police, the girl was recovered, and Zoef Khan was taken into custody. The case status is arrested.
33. Hindu Devotees Beaten by Muslim Mob During Navratri in Hyderabad
On 19 March 2026, two young Hindu men in the Mallepalli area of Hyderabad, Telangana, were severely beaten by a mob of 8–10 Muslim youths near a mosque on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. The victims had gone to a fruit stall to buy fruit for their Navratri fast when they were surrounded and assaulted. Their clothes were torn, they were dragged along the ground, and one sustained fractures in his hands and legs along with deep injuries across his body. The attack was captured on video and shared widely on social media.
The timing of the assault, during a religious observance, and the location near a mosque indicate the attack targeted the victims specifically because of their Hindu identity. The brutality, isolation of the victims, and collective nature of the mob’s actions demonstrate a deliberate intent to intimidate and harm Hindu devotees.
This incident falls under multiple categories of religiously motivated hate crime: attack not resulting in death, attack against Hindu devotees, targeted for Hindu identity, attacked for crossing a “Muslim area,” and communal clash/attack. It highlights a pattern where Hindu individuals are attacked while visibly practicing their faith, especially during significant festivals like Navratri, and underscores the risk posed to Hindus in areas dominated by hostile groups.
No complaint has been formally filed, and the identities of the perpetrators are reported as Muslim males ranging from 5 to 10 individuals. Police maintained a close watch on the area following the attack due to heightened tensions.
34. Hindu Woman Groomed for Forced Conversion by Muslim Youth in Lucknow
On 19 March 2026, a 19-year-old Hindu woman from Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, was reportedly lured to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, by a Muslim youth, Syed Salamat Hussain from Balrampur. According to reports, Hussain concealed his Muslim identity on Instagram and posed as a Hindu Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Commandant named “Sameer” to gain her trust. He allegedly promised her employment in Lucknow and planned to take her to Balrampur for financial extortion and forced religious conversion.
During the train journey on the Jabalpur-Lucknow Chitrakoot Express, the woman was reportedly molested by train attendant Pawan Gupta from Raebareli. The woman’s complaint triggered a joint investigation by the Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force. During questioning, Hussain’s true identity was established, and he reportedly admitted to deceiving the victim and planning her conversion. Hussain had allegedly attempted a similar act on another woman in Pilibhit two years earlier, for which he was imprisoned.
A First Information Report was registered against Hussain at the Government Railway Police Charbagh, which was later transferred to Banda for further investigation. Hussain was arrested, while the train attendant remained absconding.
35. The victim is a 19-year-old Hindu woman from Dindori, Madhya Pradesh.
Syed Salamat Hussain, a Muslim male from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested. The train attendant involved, is reportedly still absconding.
March 20, 2026
36. Administration Bans DJ Use in Ram Navami Processions in Isuapur, Bihar
On 20 March 2026, the police administration in Isuapur, Saran, Bihar, announced a ban on the use of DJs during Ram Navami processions. The decision was made during a peace committee meeting held at the police station ahead of the festival.
The meeting was chaired by Block Development Officer Satyam Kumar Singh and Station House Officer Kamal Kumar Ram. According to statements reported by the media, BDO Singh said DJs were completely banned during Ram Navami, and strict legal action would be taken against anyone playing DJ or caste-related songs. SHO Ram noted that licences would be required for processions, and those violating rules would face action.
The meeting included local officials and community representatives, including district council member Chhavinath Singh, former district councillor Gita Sagar Ram, Mukhiya representatives Ajmal Rahmani and Devendra Singh, and leaders from various political and social organisations.
The restriction directly affected Hindu communities participating in the Ram Navami festival in Isuapur, Saran, Bihar.
The ban was imposed by Block Development Officer Satyam Kumar Singh and Station House Officer Kamal Kumar Ram, both male officials from the state administration.
37. Muslim Man Threatens Forced Conversion of Hindu Community in Bareilly
On 20 March 2026, a video uploaded by Mohammed Waseem Ansari, a resident of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, drew attention for its threatening content toward the local Hindu community. In the video, Ansari explicitly stated that Hindus would one day be made Muslim and included other objectionable comments targeting the community. The video was circulated widely on social media, causing concern among local Hindu organisations.
The incident drew reactions from community leaders. Yuva Hindu Jagran Manch district president Himanshu Patel and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal district president Vivek Gangwar publicly demanded strict action. Bhojipura in-charge inspector Rajeev Kumar Singh confirmed that the video originated from another country and was made viral by Ansari. Authorities stated that an investigation was ongoing.
The threatened individuals were members of the Hindu community in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, who were directly addressed and targeted by the video.
The alleged perpetrator is Mohammed Waseem Ansari, a male resident of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, who uploaded and shared the threatening video on social media.
Complaint not filed; investigation ongoing.
38. Hindu Transgender Woman in Sagar Targeted with Threats and Assault Over Conversion Refusal By Muslim Groups
On 20 March 2026, Rani Thakur, a Hindu Kinnar residing in the Guru Kamla Bua Tiwari Ward near Singhal area in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, reported sustained threats, physical assault attempts, and intimidation by a group of Muslim individuals after leaving her gharana and refusing to convert to Islam. The group, led by Kiran alias Kaleem Khan along with Shahid Khan, Salim Khan, Raja Kiran, Kajal Kiran, Neha, Mehtab, and their associates, reportedly stopped her at various locations and attempted to assault her physically. Rani Thakur stated that her life was in immediate danger and that the perpetrators were likely in possession of illegal weapons.
Rani Thakur’s ordeal prompted intervention by Jagatguru Kajal Maa and supporting Kinnars, who met the Superintendent of Police in Sagar and submitted a formal memorandum demanding security and action. The police confirmed that an investigation had been initiated. Prior complaints regarding conversion pressure had also been filed with the Bhopal administration.
The victim is Rani Thakur, a Hindu transgender (Kinnar) woman, adult, and resident of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
The alleged perpetrators are a group of 5-10 Muslim extremists, including Kiran alias Kaleem Khan and his associates. Both male and female members of the group were reportedly involved.
Complaint filed; police investigation ongoing.
39. Minor Hindu Girl Lured, Blackmailed with Obscene Vedios For Marriage By Muslim Man Posing As Hindu in Baghpat
In the Chhaprauli police station area of Baraut, Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, a 17-year-old minor Hindu girl was befriended on Instagram by a Muslim man from Hathwala, Haryana, who posed as a Hindu. He lured her into a relationship, took her to his home, drugged her tea with a sedative, recorded an obscene video of her, and used it to blackmail her.
The accused extorted approximately ₹3.50 lakh in cash and a pair of earrings from the victim while pressuring her to marry him, threatening to make the video viral.
The victim’s family filed a police complaint on March 20, 2026, bringing the incident to light. Chhaprauli police station registered a case, with in-charge Ashish Pundir stating that an investigation was underway and strict action would follow if the accused was found guilty. The case status is complaint registered.
40. Hindu Family Attacked and House Looted in Gopalganj, Bangladesh
On 20 March 2026, a Hindu family in Tarashi village, Kotalipara upazila, Gopalganj district, Bangladesh, was reportedly attacked by a group of Muslim men under the pretext of a land dispute. According to media reports, the perpetrators looted and vandalised the family’s home and physically assaulted several members, including Bishnupada Das (45), his wife Mukta Das (30), daughter Sushmita Das (15), sister Liza Das (25), Parimal Das (65), and Renu Rani Das (60). Mukta Das was admitted to hospital with serious injuries, while others received first aid.
The following day, on 21 March, the family was attacked again while travelling to the local police station. Bishnupada Das, his wife, daughter, and sister sustained injuries during this second assault and were rescued by locals who took them to Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Bishnupada Das stated that the attacks were linked to a longstanding land dispute with Mohammad Didar Islam Dariya, his nephew Suman Dariya, and their associates.
The victims include six members of the Hindu family, ranging in age from 15 to 65, comprising four men and two women. The reported perpetrators are Muslim males, identified as Mohammad Didar Islam Dariya, his nephew Suman Dariya, and other associates, with the total number of attackers estimated between two and five.
Kotalipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Riyad Mahmud stated that legal action would follow if a formal complaint is received. The case remains under investigation.
41. Hindu Woman Groomed and Exploited By Muslim Man in Bengaluru
A 25-year-old Hindu woman from Bengaluru was reportedly deceived into a relationship by Ayub Akram, a 30-year-old Muslim man from Kodungaiyur, Chennai, who concealed his religious identity and existing marriage. The woman met Akram at a friend’s marriage engagement ceremony in Chennai in 2025. Akram maintained regular contact via social media, made false promises of marriage, and induced the woman into physical relations at a lodge in Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Following the relationship, the woman became pregnant and suffered a miscarriage after returning to Bengaluru. She discovered that Akram had been married throughout their relationship. He reportedly ignored her calls and issued threats. The woman subsequently filed a complaint at the Thousand Lights All Women Police Station in Chennai. Akram was arrested, produced before a Magistrate Court, and remanded in judicial custody.
The victim is a single adult Hindu woman, aged 25. The perpetrator is a single male, identified as Ayub Akram. The case is classified under crimes against women in relationships and other sexual crimes, involving grooming and deliberate concealment of religious identity and marital status.
March 21, 2026
42. Hindu Minor Girl Groomed, Blackmailed By Muslim Man in Ahmedabad
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a minor Hindu girl was groomed into a relationship by a Muslim youth, who recorded intimate photographs and videos of her without consent. After the relationship ended upon discovery, he blackmailed her with the material, threatening release unless she complied with his demands.
The perpetrator’s friend, residing in the same government quarters, surveilled the girl’s movements, sending videos to the perpetrator whenever she left home. The youth subjected her to repeated verbal abuse and harassment.
The girl informed a Hindu organisation. When its workers intervened, the perpetrator and his friend attacked them physically. Locals and organisation members overpowered the perpetrator and handed him to Sola police. An FIR was registered at Sola police station under blackmail and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The investigation was ongoing, with the case status as arrested.
43. Dalit Hindu Minor Girl Groomed, Abduction Attempted By Two Muslim Men in Hapur
In Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, a 16-year-old Dalit Hindu minor girl was groomed and sexually exploited by Adil, a Muslim youth from Paswada, Bahadurgarh police station area, who concealed his religious identity to enter a relationship. Upon discovering his true identity, she ended the relationship.
On the morning of March 21, 2026, as she left home for coaching class near Khajurah in Khanisaar village, Adil and his associate Mehtab forced her onto a motorcycle in an abduction attempt. She raised an alarm, attracting passers-by; the perpetrators fled, abandoning her, but were later arrested.
The girl’s family took her to Narsena police station. Hindu organization workers and villagers protested, demanding action. Late that evening, police registered a case based on her written complaint. Station in-charge Ram Kishore Gautam confirmed the arrests and further legal action. The case status is arrested.
44. Lord Ram Idol Beheaded Ahead of Ram Navami in East Medinipur
In East Medinipur district of West Bengal, an idol of Lord Ram being sculpted for the upcoming Ram Navami celebrations was beheaded by unknown miscreants on 21 March 2026. The nearly completed idol had been left at the Veturia bus stand in Nandigram’s Block 2, and workers discovered the head missing when they returned the following morning, 22 March 2026.
Local residents described the act as an attack on Hindu religious beliefs. A police complaint was registered, and an investigation was initiated, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.
The incident comes amid a pattern of attacks on Hindu religious symbols in West Bengal, often occurring ahead of major festivals. Similar cases include vandalism of idols of Goddess Saraswati and Maa Durga in East Medinipur, Nadia, Hooghly, and Murshidabad districts in 2024 and 2026, where under-construction idols were damaged or destroyed.
Idols hold profound religious significance in Hinduism as consecrated embodiments of deities. The deliberate desecration of the Lord Ram idol, particularly just before a major festival, constitutes an attack on Hindu religious practice and has been classified as a hate crime. Authorities were investigating to determine the perpetrators and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
45. Navratri Celebrations Attacked And Assaulted By Muslim Observing Eid in Nearby Mosque in Nepal
In Lumbini Zone, Nepal, Hindu devotees celebrating Navratri in a Kali temple in Kapilvastu district were assaulted on 21 March 2026 by a group of Muslims who were observing Eid in nearby mosques. The devotees were singing bhajans on a microphone when the other group objected to the volume. The dispute escalated into violence, with stones thrown at the temple and six Hindu devotees injured.
The clash took place in the Bargadwa area of Maharajganj Municipality. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas, while the local administration imposed indefinite prohibitory orders on parts of the municipality to prevent further escalation.
This incident is classified as a hate crime under multiple categories: attack against Hindu devotees, communal clash, attack on Hindu religious representations (temples), defiling religious customs, and targeted assault for Hindu identity or crossing a “Muslim area.” Hindu worshippers were engaged in peaceful religious practices, including bhajan singing, which are central to Navratri. The attack disrupted their religious observance, targeting them specifically for their faith and public expression of Hindu identity.
By directly assaulting devotees inside a functioning temple, desecrating the Navratri celebration, and instilling fear in the community, the perpetrators demonstrated hostility towards Hinduism and its adherents. The victims were not provoking the attackers; they were exercising their right to religious practice. The deliberate targeting of worshippers and a sacred space classifies this as a religiously motivated hate crime.
46. Threats Against Hindu Temple and Community in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
In Krishnagiri town, Tamil Nadu, Hindu devotees, temple committee members, and renovation workers associated with the over 1,000-year-old Varasiddhi Vinayagar temple were threatened and intimidated on 21 March 2026. The Muslim group sought to obstruct the temple’s renovation and Kumbabhisekam (sacred consecration ceremony), using abusive language and physical intimidation. Videos circulated on social media show men in skull caps and burqa-clad women actively participating in threats against the Hindu community.
Police present at the scene failed to intervene effectively, instead confining Hindu men to their homes while the Muslim group continued the intimidation campaign. Hindu Munnani functionaries condemned the threats and the inaction of authorities.
The Varasiddhi Vinayagar temple is a living center of spiritual and cultural life, and the sustained harassment, including a five-year campaign following the construction of a mosque on land near the temple, demonstrates organized and deliberate interference with Hindu religious life. The threats and intimidation during renovation works at this sacred site highlight the communal and hate-driven nature of the attack.
47. Navratri Jagran Disrupted by Singer Performing Islamic Songs in Ajmer
On 21 March 2026, during a Chaitra Navratri Mata Jagran held in the Nagra area near Alwar Gate in Ajmer, Rajasthan, a singer named John Ajmeri reportedly performed Islamic songs, including a qawwali dedicated to Khwaja Garib Nawaz, while the event was intended for Hindu devotional singing (bhajans). Attendees raised objections, stating that the songs were not compatible with the traditions of the Navratri festival. The situation led to protests, and the programme was later resumed.
The following day, 22 March 2026, John Ajmeri arrived to perform at a bhajan event held at Ganeshgarh Temple in Shastri Nagar. Bajrang Dal activists protested his presence on stage, leading to his departure. The programme continued after he left. Kishan Gurjar, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad official, stated that such performances were inappropriate and hurt religious sentiments, emphasising the importance of respecting the traditions of the event.
Devotees participating in the Mata Jagran and the bhajan event, who objected to the performance of songs outside the prescribed Hindu devotional context.
John Ajmeri, male singer, identified as performing Islamic songs during the Hindu religious events on 21 and 22 March 2026 in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
48. Minor Hindu Girl Lured, Brainwashed into converting to Islam by Muslim man in Dehradun
In the Doiwala area of Dehradun, Uttarakhand, a 15-year-old minor Hindu girl living with her mother and brother in a rented house was lured into a relationship by her Muslim neighbour Rashid. He, along with neighbours Gulistan and Sariq, exploited their close family ties and regular home access to groom her.
Rashid visited in the mother’s absence, trapped her romantically, and manipulated her to adopt Islamic practices, including wearing a burqa and using Islamic greetings, leading to her inclination toward Islam.
Disturbed by the changes, the mother filed a complaint at Doiwala police station on March 21, 2026. An FIR was registered against Rashid, Gulistan, and Sariq under Sections 3 and 5 of the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018. Sub-Inspector Bhavana was assigned to investigate, questioning those involved. The case status is complaint registered.
49. Hindu Widow Deceived, Raped, Forcibly Converted and Married By Muslim Man Posing Hindu in Chhindwara
On 21 March 2026, a Dalit Hindu woman from the Dehat police station area of Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, filed a complaint against a man who had deceived, assaulted, and forcibly converted her. The accused, Ashfaq, son of Hussain Khan, allegedly posed as a Hindu man named Sonu Kahar to gain her trust. Following the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. Ashfaq was subsequently arrested from the Kukra Jagat area, and further investigation is ongoing.
According to the complaint, the victim, a widow with two children, developed a relationship with the accused under the impression that he was a Hindu and unmarried. Ashfaq reportedly raped her under the pretext of marriage, then forcibly converted her to Islam and married her. After the marriage, she was kept in a rented house in Parasia, where she was allegedly subjected to severe physical assault, abuse, and mental torture.
One adult female Hindu woman, Dalit, previously widowed, residing in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly coerced into conversion and subjected to assault.
Ashfaq, adult male from Chandameta, Madhya Pradesh, accused of deceiving the victim by posing as a Hindu, raping her, forcibly converting her to Islam, marrying her, and inflicting physical and mental abuse post-marriage.
Police have registered a case and initiated investigation into the allegations, including the circumstances of the forced conversion, assault, and marriage.
50. Hindu Residents Targeted for Christian Conversion in Gumla
On 21 March 2026, in the Kumhar Mod area along Charda Road in Sisai town, Gumla district, Jharkhand, Hindu residents were approached by five Christian women Romila Minj, Kiran Kujur, Shakira Tirkey, Sushila Devi, and Indu Devi who were distributing pamphlets and inviting locals to a “healing meeting.” The women reportedly offered inducements, including promises of good health and relief from illness, while urging residents to abandon Hindu practices.
A local resident, Anand Sahu, stated that the women pressured him to renounce his faith and made objectionable remarks about Hindu gods and goddesses. Following this, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagruti Manch arrived at the site, staged a protest, and called for police intervention. Law enforcement quickly arrived, brought the situation under control, and escorted the women to the police station.
Subsequently, a written complaint was submitted, alleging that the women were attempting to convert Hindus through inducements and by disparaging Hindu deities. The police detained the five women and launched an inquiry, reviewing the pamphlets and examining the nature of the gathering. Several local Hindu organisation members, including Sanjay Kumar Verma, Manish Babu, Saurav Tamrakar, Rohit Sharma, Mukesh Srivastava David, Ashish Yadav, Bittu Gupta, and Vikram Kumar, were present during the incident.
One adult male, Anand Sahu, OBC Hindu resident, targeted for conversion and subjected to religious harassment.
Five adult Christian women, identified as Romila Minj, Kiran Kujur, Shakira Tirkey, Sushila Devi, and Indu Devi, accused of luring Hindu residents, offering inducements, and denigrating Hindu deities in an attempt to convert them.
The case has been registered as predatory proselytisation involving inducement, grooming, and harassment for conversion. Police continue to investigate the incident.
March 22, 2026
51. Hindu Temple Desecrated in Orai, Uttar Pradesh
On 22 March 2026, a Hindu temple near Rama Hospital on Kalpi Road in Orai, Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh, was reportedly targeted by a man named Suraj. According to local reports, the accused entered the temple and allegedly desecrated the Shivalinga and the Nandi idol by pelting them with stones. The act was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras.
Following the incident, a crowd of local residents gathered and chased the accused onto the highway, where he was physically assaulted before police intervened. Senior police officials, including Additional Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Verma, Circle Officer Rajiv Sharma, and Inspector Anand Kumar Singh, managed the situation and ensured the accused was taken into custody. Arrangements were made to replace the damaged Nandi idol and reinstall the Shivalinga with proper rituals. A forensic team collected evidence at the scene, and police maintained a visible presence in the area to prevent further disturbances.
The reported victim in this case is the Hindu temple and its devotees in Orai. The accused, Suraj, is an adult male who was arrested in connection with the incident.
52. Offensive Remarks Against Lord Ram by West Bengal Politician
On 22 March 2026, during an election campaign rally at Ward No. 20 of Bolpur Municipality, West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Chandranath Sinha reportedly made remarks targeting Lord Ram and the Hindu slogan “Jai Sri Ram.” According to media reports, he stated that “Lord Ram is a north Indian deity” and claimed that in Bengal, only Goddess Kali is worshipped. He further remarked that “Jai Sri Ram” would not work in West Bengal and linked his comments to political narratives surrounding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and regional religious practices.
The statements sparked reactions from the BJP, whose leaders criticised Sinha’s remarks, stating that they hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. At the time of reporting, no detailed response had been received from Chandranath Sinha.
The reported victim in this case is the Hindu community in Bolpur, West Bengal, whose religious sentiments were reportedly affected by the statements. The accused, Chandranath Sinha, is an adult male affiliated with the Trinamool Congress party. The case status remains unreported.
53. Derogatory Post Targets Dalit Hindu Community in Pilibhit
On 22 March 2026, the Valmiki community, a Dalit Hindu group in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, was targeted in a social media video by Wasim Raza, a resident of Naugawan Pakdiya village operating under the account name “Mr Pilibhit.” According to reports, the video, recorded during his visit to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, used derogatory language against the community. Community members also stated that Raza had previously made offensive remarks about Hindu deities.
The video went viral, prompting hundreds of local residents to protest. They assembled at a Valmiki temple in Nakhasa and staged a procession. Senior administrative and police officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police, City Magistrate, and Circle Officer, arrived with a large police force to manage the situation.
Following the protest, Sungarhi police registered a case against Wasim Raza under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The accused was arrested and subsequently sent to jail.
The targeted victims in this case are the Valmiki community of Pilibhit, whose religious and social identity was reportedly insulted. The accused, Wasim Raza, is an adult male Muslim influencer. The case status is recorded as arrested.
54. Exploitation of Poor Hindus for Forced Conversions By Christian Missionaries in Gorakhpur
On 22 March 2026, in Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh, poor and vulnerable Hindus were reportedly targeted by Christian missionaries under the pretext of curing illnesses and offering financial assistance. Locals stated that these activities were noted in Gulriha Bazaar, Bhathat, areas around Ayush University, Jungle Ekla, Sarhari, Pipraich, and PPganj, particularly near missionary schools. Similar reports were noted in neighbouring districts including Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, and Maharajganj.
A written complaint was submitted at Gulriha police station by Sheetal Mishra, a resident of Surajkund in the Gorakhnath police station area, reporting that missionaries were inducing people to convert through monetary incentives. Investigation revealed that weekly prayer meetings were held, where Hindus were invited on the pretext of healing or removing spirit-related issues, after which financial and other benefits were offered to encourage conversion.
The investigation identified four accused individuals: Amit Singh and his mother Rita Devi, Vicky Kumar, and Kanhaiya Yadav. A converted Christian named Wilson, a resident of Bihar, was also reportedly involved but remained absconding. Police conducted raids and arrested the four accused, who were subsequently charged under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. Investigations were ongoing to identify additional participants and possible organised networks, including review of call detail records.
The victims targeted were poor and economically vulnerable Hindus, selected due to their religious identity and financial circumstances. The accused, comprising four adults and a fugitive, included both males and females associated with missionary activities. The case is currently sub-judice.
55. Cow Remains Dumped Near Kali Temple During Navratri in Bhopal
On 22 March 2026, during Chaitra Navratri celebrations in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, miscreants desecrated a Hindu temple of Goddess Kali by dumping dead cow remains near its premises. The carcass, placed in a white sack, was discovered in front of the temple in the Talaiya police station area around 11 p.m.
Activists from the Jai Maa Bhavani Hindu organisation arrived at the scene after being alerted, blocking the highway and staging a protest that lasted about ninety minutes. Bhanu Hindu, head of the organisation, described the cow as slaughtered and called for examination of CCTV footage to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Chandrashekhar Tiwari, president of the Hindu Utsav Samiti, also condemned the act, terming it a conspiracy to disrupt the city’s atmosphere during Navratri.
Senior police officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shailendra Singh Chauhan, responded to the protest. An FIR was filed based on Bhanu Hindu’s complaint, and police initiated an investigation using CCTV footage. Although traffic resumed after the protest, tension remained in the area.
The victims impacted are the devotees of the Kali temple and the wider Hindu community observing Navratri. The perpetrators remain unknown.
This incident is classified as a religiously motivated hate crime under attack on Hindu religious representations, desecration of religious symbols, attack on temples, and defiling of religious customs. Dumping cow remains near a temple not only defiled the sacred premises and disrupted the festival but also insulted Hindu religious symbols, as the cow holds deep spiritual significance. The deliberate timing during Navratri indicates an intent to provoke the community and desecrate Hindu faith practices.
56. Minor Hindu Girl Groomed on Instagram By Muslim Man with Fake Hindu Identity in Hoshangabad
In the Kesla area of Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh, a minor Hindu girl was groomed on Instagram by Joeb Khan from Datoda village, Simrol police station area, Mahu, Indore district. Khan, from the MIG police station jurisdiction, concealed his Muslim identity and used a false Hindu name to befriend her, build trust, and lure her to Indore.
He began living with her in a rented house in the Devnagar area. She had been reported missing from Hoshangabad. Local residents grew suspicious and informed Hindu organization workers, who apprehended Khan and handed him to police.
A search of his phone revealed objectionable videos and photographs of multiple girls, indicating a pattern of predatory conduct. Kesla police took custody of the girl, handed her to Hoshangabad police, arrested Khan, and initiated legal action. The investigation was ongoing, with the case status as arrested.
57. Hindu Temple Vandalised During Ramayana Recital in Bokaro
On 22 March 2026, at the Hosir Shiva Temple in Gomia, Bokaro district, Jharkhand, images of Hindu deities were desecrated and the temple gate vandalised during a Ramayana paath held for the upcoming Ram Navami festival.
Children from the Muslim community passing by the temple allegedly carried out the vandalism. Temple committee members and local villagers apprehended one of the accused and handed him over to the Gomia police station. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway. Hindu organisations submitted a written request to authorities seeking strict action.
The victim is the Hindu temple and its deities, representing the local Hindu community. The accused is a male child from the Muslim community. Media reports indicate multiple perpetrators were involved, though only one was formally handed over to police. The case remains under investigation.
The week from March 16 to March 22, 2026, underscores a worrying escalation in the targeting of Hindu individuals, communities, and sacred sites across India and neighboring regions. The pattern of incidents—from deceptive grooming and forced conversions to physical assaults, desecration of idols, and threats to temple renovations, reflects a multifaceted assault on both faith and social security.
