Hindus and Hindutva allegedly held responsible for the riots : Report

An anti-Hindu report was published by an enquiry committee funded by anti-India George Soros
Case related to attacks on Hindus by radical Muslims in 2022 in Leicester, Britain
Hindu organisations in Britain condemn and oppose the report

London (Britain) – A report titled “Better Together” has been published by the SOAS University of London regarding the riots carried out by radical Muslims in Leicester, UK, in 2022. The report holds Hindus and Hindutva ideology responsible for the violence. However, the Hindu community in Leicester and the Hindu Community Organisation Group have stated that Police records and ground realities present a different picture. Representing more than 50,000 Hindus, the group has alleged that the report is not based on facts but was prepared to target Hindus.

Funding from Soros’ foundation and questions about the enquiry committee

It has been stated that the report received funding of ₹6.5 crore from the Open Society Foundations. Hindu organisations claim that funding from George Soros’ foundation raises questions about the credibility of the report. The enquiry committee included Suresh Grover, Chetan Bhatt, and its chair, Juan Mendez. Allegations have been made that some committee members previously held Hindus responsible even before the investigation was completed.

Attacks on Hindus are ignored

In September 2022, attacks reportedly took place over three consecutive nights on Hindu homes, vehicles, and temples. An incident was reported in which a temple flag was pulled down and the temple vandalised. Hindu youths were also allegedly assaulted on the streets. However, it is alleged that the report downplayed these incidents and instead portrayed Hindutva as aggressive. Claims that people were brought in by buses from London were reportedly contradicted by GPS (Global Positioning System) records, yet such claims were still given importance in the report.

Allegations of rumours and misinformation

It has been alleged that an incident following a cricket match was given a communal angle, whereas the Police had clarified that it had no religious motive. A purported attempt to abduct a 15-year-old girl was later found not to have occurred. Reports of attacks on mosques were also stated by Police to be incorrect. Despite this, it is alleged that these claims were included in the report.

Political and international context

It has been noted that the official British government enquiry and a report by the Henry Jackson Society mentioned attacks on Hindus. However, it is alleged that the SOAS report presented a one-sided narrative. The Hindu community has rejected the report, stating that it is an attempt to defame Hindus globally.