BENGALURU, 21 JUNE

A disturbing rise in hate crimes and hate speech has been recorded across India during the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, according to a report.

Between 7 June, 2024, and 7 June, 2025, 947 incidents were reported, with religious minorities—particularly Muslims and Christians — bearing the brunt, said a report by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) and the Quill Foundation.

Of the total, 602 were hate crimes, including 173 involving physical violence. At least 25 victims, all Muslims, lost their lives. Another 345 incidents were categorised as hate speech, with 178 attributed to individuals linked to the BJP. BJP-ruled states saw a higher frequency of such incidents, particularly during local and national election campaigns.

Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of hate crimes (217), while Manipur reported the least (1). Twelve of the 25 most-affected regions were BJP-governed, with four of the top five remaining under BJP rule throughout the year. Notably, 25 Hindus were also affected—often women and mostly due to proximity to the primary targets.

At least 2,964 individuals were targeted: 1,460 Muslims and 1,504 Christians. Muslims, however, faced more severe and repeated violence, including mob attacks and public humiliation. Victims included 62 children and 10 elderly individuals.

Right-wing groups such as Bajrang Dal, VHP, and RSS were implicated in 267 hate crimes, including assaults on minority businesses, places of worship, and interfaith events. Major spikes in violence followed religious festivals and the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which alone saw 87 hate crimes in just 13 days.

Modi was linked to five hate speech incidents, while BJP Chief Ministers accounted for 63.

State-wise break down of hate crimes

Uttar Pradesh: 217

Maharashtra: 101

Madhya Pradesh: 100

Uttarakhand: 85

Rajasthan: 60

Jharkhand: 52

Delhi: 42

Bihar: 36

Chhattisgarh: 29

Karnataka: 31

Himachal: 31