Jersey City, New Jersey, USA: The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) released a statement welcoming the U.S. Justice Department’s decision to end its investigation into the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The probe had centered on allegations of “caste-based discrimination” and labor exploitation. CoHNA also called on media outlets, activists, and institutions to be held accountable for spreading unverified claims that painted the Hindu community in a negative light.
The investigation began after a federal lawsuit filed in May 2021 claimed that construction workers—many from underprivileged backgrounds—were brought to the U.S. on R-1 religious visas, paid as little as $1.20 per hour, made to work extended hours, and provided inadequate housing conditions.
These allegations prompted multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Homeland Security, to investigate and carry out inspections at the temple site.
In a statement released on September 19, CoHNA remarked, “Despite being unproven, these claims were amplified by media without proper scrutiny. The New York Times ran a story while the FBI’s search was still underway. The Trentonian sensationalized the matter, labeling it ‘The Temple of Doom,’ echoing outdated Hinduphobic narratives reminiscent of the 1980s Indiana Jones films.”
Nikunj Trivedi, president of CoHNA, emphasized the harm inflicted on the Hindu community’s reputation, stating, “This outcome confirms that truth prevails in the end. Yet, who will restore the reputations that have been tarnished?”
He continued, “Hindus will no longer be used as convenient scapegoats in imported controversies unrelated to American life. We urge media and policymakers to engage with Hindu voices directly rather than relying on activists who aim to sow division and discredit the community.”
CoHNA further requested that media organizations responsible for damaging coverage issue formal corrections. The organization also urged universities and companies that enacted caste-based policies to reconsider and withdraw them.
Moreover, CoHNA called on Seattle authorities to repeal the 2023 caste discrimination ordinance and urged New York lawmakers to pause pending caste-related legislation until proper community consultations and research-based evidence are considered.
