The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in the United States has welcomed the decision by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the US Attorney’s Office for New Jersey to close their investigation of BAPS and the creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham.In its statement issued on Thursday, BAPS stated that the temple “a place of peace, service and devotion” was constructed by the dedication and volunteer work of 1000’s of devotees. The group highlighted that adversity needs to be met with cooperation, humility and a dedication to fact, reflecting the advantage of “Satyameva Jayate (truth will always prevail)”.The statement added that the temple stands as a logo of the Hindu neighborhood’s contributions to American society. The group invited all to go to Akshardham to expertise its artwork, traditions, devotion and spirit of service.The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) praised the closure of the investigation. In a submit 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.” It described the 2021 raid as being “prompted by horrific false allegations, including that of ‘caste discrimination,’” which had “shocked the Hindu American community.”HAF added that whereas the decision is welcome, the Hindu neighborhood stays outraged that BAPS and Hindu Americans had to endure 4 years of vilification and anti-Hindu sentiment. The group expressed assist for BAPS’ public affairs workplace and praised their statement as rooted in the very best values of Hindu dharma.
Background: 2021 investigation and lawsuit
The investigation adopted a 2021 FBI raid prompted by a lawsuit alleging that employees from marginalized communities in India have been introduced to the US, pressured to work lengthy hours for minimal pay and lived beneath strict surveillance, information company Associated Press reported. The lawsuit accused BAPS leaders, together with CEO Kanu Patel of human trafficking and wage legislation violations.According to the lawsuit, greater than 200 employees many Dalits and non-English audio system have been coerced into signing employment agreements in India. They traveled to the US beneath R-1 visas, that are meant for individuals who minister or work in spiritual vocations or occupations.Upon arrival, their passports have been reportedly confiscated, they usually have been pressured to work on the temple from 6.30 am to 7.30 pm, with few days off, for roughly $450 monthly, of which solely $50 was paid in money and the rest deposited into accounts in India.The employees allegedly lived in a fenced compound beneath fixed digicam surveillance and have been warned that leaving may outcome in police arrest as a result of they didn’t have their passports. The lawsuit names Patel and a number of other different supervisors and seeks unpaid wages together with unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.Patel had dismissed the declare on the time. He instructed The New York Times, “I respectfully disagree with the wage claim.”