Religious leaders condemn attack on HPE leader Vijayaviharam Ramanamurthy
Religious and civil society leaders have condemned an alleged attack on Vijayaviharam Ramanamurthy, a leader of the Hindus for Plurality and Equality group. The incident has sparked calls for the protection of freedom of expression and a debate over the definition of Hindu traditions.
Why it matters
The incident underscores rising tensions regarding religious identity, political discourse, and the safety of activists in India.
Several Hindu religious leaders, spiritual figures and representatives of civil society on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) condemned the alleged attack on Vijayaviharam Ramanamurthy, general secretary of Hindus for Plurality and Equality (HPE) and national general secretary of Jai Bharat, and demanded action against those responsible.
Addressing a press conference at the Basheerbagh Press Club, Mr. Ramanamurthy alleged that he was attacked by a man identified as Kashyap Reddy at the office of BRK News a day earlier. He claimed that attempts were being made to brand him and others associated with a Hindu convention against hatred and inequality as “anti-Hindu”.
“I was born a Hindu. I remain a Hindu and will remain a Hindu until my last breath. No one can brand me in any other way,” Mr. Ramanamurthy said, adding that he would continue to speak against hatred and inequality despite the alleged attack.
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