NYPD Investigating Suspected Hate Crime After Hindu Flags Torn Down

Photo: NYPD

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – In a disturbing incident now being investigated as a hate crime, a man trespassed onto a Hindu family’s property in Queens Village and tore down religious flags before discarding them in the trash.

The incident occurred on April 20, but it only gained public attention after the New York Police Department released surveillance images of the suspect and appealed for information.

According to the NYPD, the unidentified man entered the property just before 3 p.m., where he removed four Hindu religious flags from the family’s porch. Though no physical damage or other harm was reported, the act left the family deeply shaken.

Police described the suspect as a light-complexioned, bald man. He was last seen wearing sunglasses, a dark jacket, a purple tie, blue pants, and a multicolored shirt underneath a light-colored coat. He was also carrying a brown briefcase.

The NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue to investigate the case under hate crime protocols. Authorities say they are taking the matter seriously, especially given the apparent targeting of a religious symbol.