ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. (Diya TV) — The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey have officially closed their investigation into BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the United States. The decision ends a four-year legal probe that had drawn national attention and sparked outrage within the Hindu American community.
The investigation began in 2021 after six Indian workers filed a civil lawsuit claiming they faced exploitation and caste-based discrimination while working on the construction of the temple. The lawsuit alleged that the workers were promised good-paying jobs but instead endured long hours of manual labor, sometimes up to 80 hours per week. It also claimed that their passports were confiscated and their wages, reportedly as low as $450 per month, were deposited in Indian bank accounts they could not access.
Federal agents conducted court-authorized activity at the temple the same day the lawsuit was filed. The allegations accused BAPS of exploiting India’s caste system to target workers from certain social groups. The case sought class-action status to represent around 200 Indian nationals who reportedly had similar experiences.
After a multiyear review across two administrations, the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office concluded that the allegations were unfounded. BAPS North America emphasized that the temple was built entirely through volunteer service, not coercion. The organization welcomed the closure of the investigation as a validation of its longstanding position.
“We welcome the decision by the U.S. DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to close their investigation of BAPS and the creation of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham,” BAPS North America said in a statement. The temple group added that the investigation had been a challenging period but noted that their fellowship emerged with renewed strength and deeper faith.
The temple, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is a prominent religious and cultural landmark. It represents years of devotion and service by thousands of volunteers from diverse backgrounds. According to BAPS North America, the temple stands as a symbol of peace, service, and devotion. The group praised the U.S. government’s decision, saying it sends a clear message that their organization’s work is legitimate and rooted in volunteerism.
The case drew widespread attention and concern among Hindu Americans, many of whom viewed the allegations as false and damaging. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group, also welcomed the conclusion of the investigation, calling it an important step toward justice and recognition for Hindu Americans.
BAPS North America said that despite the challenges over the past four years, the temple and its followers have emerged stronger. The organization praised the volunteer spirit of its devotees and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the values of Hindu dharma.
“This period has tested our community, but it also showcased the strength, dedication, and unity of Hindu Americans,” BAPS North America said. The temple group also expressed gratitude to supporters who stood by the community during the investigation.
Hindu American advocates tell Diya TV the investigation into this temple, as well as the Cisco caste discrimination case, have been used to denigrate the community for years. With the plaintiffs in the Cisco case fully exonerated and no charges filed in this matter, they believe they believe the narrative unfairly targeting Hindu Americans should finally come to an end.
