According to a report from IndiaToday, authorities in New York are investigating an act of religious vandalism as a possible hate crime after a man trespassed onto the property of a Hindu family in Queens Village and tore down four religious flags used in their worship rituals. The incident, which occurred on April 20, only came to public attention after the NYPD sought help identifying the intruder.

How the Incident Took Place?

The individual entered the residence just before 3:00 PM, removed the Hindu flags from the front porch, and discarded them in a trash bin. Although no physical damage or violence was reported, the symbolic nature of the act has left the family distressed and raised broader concerns within the Hindu community.

The New York Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force is treating the case as criminal mischief with potential hate-based motives. The man, whose identity remains unknown, was captured on surveillance cameras. He is described as light-skinned, bald, and was last seen wearing sunglasses, a dark jacket, a light-colored coat, a multicolored shirt, a purple tie, and blue pants. He was also carrying a brown briefcase.

Residents of Queens Village, a quiet, middle-income neighborhood in eastern Queens, expressed shock at the incident, which marks another disturbing entry in the rise of faith-based discrimination incidents in the U.S. The religious flags, often displayed by Hindu families as part of daily devotional practices, were not just decorations—they represent sacred tradition and spiritual reverence.

Pictures of the Suspect has been Released by the New York Police Department

The NYPD has released images of the suspect and is urging anyone with knowledge of the man’s identity or the incident to step forward.

This act has reignited concerns among Indian-American leaders, who have for years raised the alarm over the growing trend of anti-Hindu sentiment in the United States. At a 2024 conference with Hindu community leaders, U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar, a Democrat, remarked, “We are witnessing an increase in Hinduphobia,” and called for action to prevent further hate-driven acts against Hindu Americans.

As the investigation moves forward, the community awaits justice and increased protections for religious minorities in the city.