Daijiworld Media Network – New Jersey
New Jersey, Sep 19: The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the United States on Thursday welcomed the decision by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the US Attorney’s Office for New Jersey to close the investigation into the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple.
In its statement, BAPS described the temple as “a place of peace, service and devotion”, built through the tireless dedication and volunteer efforts of thousands of devotees. The organization stressed that adversity should be met with cooperation, humility, and a commitment to truth, reflecting the principle of “Satyameva Jayate – truth will always prevail.”
The temple, BAPS noted, stands as a symbol of the Hindu community’s contributions to American society, and invited all to visit Akshardham to experience its art, traditions, devotion, and spirit of service.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also praised the closure of the investigation. In a post on X, HAF stated, “The Department of Justice & US Attorney’s Office of New Jersey have CLOSED their investigation of the largest Hindu temple in this country, Akshardham.”
HAF added that the 2021 raid, prompted by false allegations including caste discrimination, had shocked the Hindu American community. While welcoming the decision, HAF expressed outrage that BAPS and Hindu Americans endured four years of vilification and anti-Hindu sentiment. The organization lauded BAPS’ public affairs office for upholding the highest values of Hindu dharma.
Background:
The investigation followed a 2021 FBI raid after a lawsuit claimed that workers from marginalized communities in India were brought to the US under R-1 visas, forced to work long hours for minimal pay, and subjected to strict surveillance.
The lawsuit accused BAPS leaders, including CEO Kanu Patel, of human trafficking and wage law violations. According to the complaint, over 200 workers, many Dalits and non-English speakers, were coerced into signing employment agreements in India. On arriving in the US, their passports were reportedly confiscated, and they were made to work from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm for roughly $450 per month, of which only $50 was paid in cash.
Workers allegedly lived in a fenced compound under constant camera surveillance, and leaving could have led to police arrest due to lack of passports. The lawsuit seeks unpaid wages along with unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Kanu Patel had earlier dismissed the claims, stating to The New York Times, “I respectfully disagree with the wage claim.”