Hindus outraged as Indian-origin temple priest attacked in US

An Indian-origin Hindu priest who was in his usual religious attire was assaulted by a 52-year-old man in New York, reports a US media.

Faith leaders are calling for New York police to investigate the beating of Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji as a hate crime. https://t.co/BDEH1PvMrh

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) July 22, 2019

A Hindu priest Swami Harish Chander Puri  was attacked by a 52-year-old man while he was walking down the street in his religious garb near a temple in Floral Park, New York, according to a US media report. pic.twitter.com/3iq7adcRAP

— OM (@ompandey555) July 21, 2019

We are deeply heartbroken by reports of a brutal attack on Swami Harish Chander Puri ji, priest of the Shiv Shakti Peeth temple in Glen Oaks, Queens. Thankfully, Swami Puri ji is recovering. We stand with him and the Shiv Shakti Peeth community. https://t.co/vy9T6iSRdz

— Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus (@SadhanaHindus) July 20, 2019

Even former permanent Indian representative to the UN and present Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor condemned the attack and called for probe.

1/2 When the US President targets immigrants& encourages chants of "send her back" at rallies, real harm is inflicted on innocents. Have received
reports of a brutal attack on Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji, priest of the Shiv Shakti Peeth temple in Glen Oaks, Queens, NY.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 21, 2019

https://twitter.com/USafroon/status/1152990145911484417

Faith Groups Call For Hate Crime Investigation Into Attack On Hindu Priest

The demands come after Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji was beaten near his temple while taking a walk Thursday morning. https://t.co/UPt1Ynmxkt

— The Christian Left (@TheChristianLft) July 22, 2019

According to the PIX 11 news channel, the incident occurred when the Hindu pandit Swami Harish Chander Puri was walking near the Shiv Shakti Peeth in Glen Oaks.

Swami Harish Chander Puri suffered bruises and abrasions all over his body, including his face during the attack on July 18https://t.co/MMIJyxoJKb

— FinancialXpress (@FinancialXpress) July 21, 2019

A man assaulted him, as the priest was taken unawares, and began hitting him which left the Hindu priest wounded.

The attacker has been identified as Sergio Gouveia, who was hurling abuses at the priest while assaulting and was shouting, “this is my neighbourhood”.

Several supporters of Hinduism across the world have condemned the attack.

I am horrified at the attack on Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji in Queens. Hate has no place in our city. Swami Puri Ji said he will pray for his attacker. His grace is an inspiration for us all.https://t.co/m42l64bHRV

— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) July 21, 2019

A Hindu priest of Shiv Shakti Peeth Temple in Queens, Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji, was assaulted and harassed in Queens, NY.
We condemn this shameful act of violence and stand strongly together with our Hindu community.https://t.co/qsx1L4hFte

— Neeta (@jain_neeta) July 22, 2019

Hindu priest brutally attacked in NYC, attacker allegedly yelled things like “This is my neighborhood!”

Authorities investigating as possible hate crime.

Prayers to the victim – Swami Harish Chander Puri – for a speedy recovery. ❤️ https://t.co/Hoj56g3Hh3

— Simran Jeet Singh (@simran) July 21, 2019

In 2017, a racist in Kansas murdered Hindu American Srinivas Kuchibhotla after yelling “Get out of my country!”

This week, a man in New York City brutally assaulted Hindu priest Swami Harish Chander Puri after yelling “This is my neighborhood!”

This is Trump’s America. pic.twitter.com/fdHhCk80aX

— Simran Jeet Singh (@simran) July 21, 2019

My heart aches for Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji and the Shiv Shakti Peeth family in Queens 💔 https://t.co/6oqhambc42

— Jeremy Rosenberg (@JeremyR1992) July 22, 2019

The 52-year-old Gouveia was later arrested in connection with the attack and has been charged with assault, harassment and criminal possession of a weapon.

Also Read: UP: Muslim man attacked for reading Hindu Holy Scriptures

Police are ascertaining if the attack should be investigated as a hate crime, the channel said.

The regular visitors to the temple said they were certain that the temple’s priest was intentionally targeted.

The attacker shouted things like, “this is my neighborhood,” during the incident, they said.

I want to send my best wishes for a full recovery to Swami Ji Harish Chander Puri, a Hindu priest who was brutally attacked a few days ago in Glen Oaks.

We must condemn cowardly acts of bigotry, as well as the hateful rhetoric that helps incite it.

— Laura Curran (@NassauExecutive) July 21, 2019

Faith leaders are calling for New York police to investigate the beating of Swami Harish Chander Puri Ji as a hate crime. https://t.co/GKy0wrV1CO via @HuffPostCrime

— rprakash (@satyatva) July 22, 2019

It maybe noted that the attack occurred days after US President Donald Trump took to twitter targeting 4 Democratic Congresswomen including Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born US citizen, asking them to “go back” where they came from.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1151103647637487616