A crucial discussion on Hinduphobia took place at City Hall this week, led by the Labour London Assembly Member Krupesh Hirani. The event brought together key figures from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the Deputy Mayor of London for Policing and Crime, and community leaders to address the rising number of hate crimes targeting the Hindu community.
The event comes after the London Assembly unanimously passed a motion on Hinduphobia last November. The motion, tabled by Hirani, highlighted the need for the Metropolitan Police to work closely with the country’s Hindu community to fight against a rise in such crimes. As he tabled the motion, Hirani stressed that the problem of anti-Hindu hate crime cannot be tackled unless it is properly recognised.
Recent Home Office statistics reveal a troubling 20% increase in hate crimes against Hindus since 2022. Reports include distressing incidents such as Hindu children being forced to eat meat in schools and attacks on temples, with idols desecrated. However, many experts believe these figures may be underestimating the scale of the problem due to chronic underreporting and a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.
“We've been working hard behind the scenes to get the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service on board to tackle this as an issue,” Hirani, who represents Brent and Harrow in the London Assembly, told iGlobal in an exclusive interview prior to the event.
“What's concerning me about the data is the lack of reporting, and we know hate crime is underreported. As a constituency member, I have come across many cases which are classified as disputes or confrontations between individuals but once you starting digging deeper, you realise the real cause.
"One example is a neighbour throwing meat into the garden of a Hindu family. While such incidents may seem like mere disputes or crimes, they often stem from deeper Hinduphobia. It's important for the community to recognise and report them as such, ensuring their concerns aren't dismissed as ordinary crimes," Hirani explained.
"With hate crime, there should always be consultation with communities," added Hirani.
Superintendent Owen Renowden from the Metropolitan Police emphasised the force’s commitment to tackling hate crime.
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“The impact of hate crimes extends far beyond those directly targeted and instils fear across entire communities. The Met takes all reports seriously, and we encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to report it. There is no place for hate in our city, and we will act swiftly to confront those responsible.”
The Superintendent also explained that the Metropolitan Police regularly meet with faith leaders and community representatives from all communities across London to understand their concerns and arrange the support they need.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to come to City Hall and speak directly with members of the Hindu community, hear their lived experiences, and gain a better understanding of how the Met can improve on our work to both prevent and respond to hate crime,” added the Superintendent.
The CPS also reaffirmed its dedication to prosecuting hate crimes. Varinder Hayre from the CPS stated, “We are committed to prosecuting hate crimes against any faith or protected characteristic. We know these offences have a devastating impact on victims and communities, and we are working with police, justice partners, and faith leaders to bring perpetrators to justice.”
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One of the key takeaways from the event was the need to build trust between the Hindu community and law enforcement. At the end of the session, attendees passionately discussed ways to encourage victims to report hate crimes and ensure stronger legal consequences for offenders.
Hirani expressed hope that the event would mark the beginning of a more robust response to Hinduphobia. “This is about standing up for London’s values of diversity and inclusion. I hope this discussion paves the way for meaningful action.”
With hate crimes against Hindus on the rise, the event underscored the urgent need for greater awareness, community engagement, and decisive action to combat anti-Hindu sentiment in the UK.
Watch the video above to hear Hirani AM, Superintendent Renowden and Prosecutor Hayre's exclusive talk to iGlobal about Hinduphobia.