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7h ago

U.S. Closes BAPS New Jersey Temple Probe With No Charges

The decision caps a four-year inquiry triggered by 2021 forced-labor allegations at the Robbinsville project.

The probe against BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was launched following a civil lawsuit filed in May 2021. (Image: BAPS)

Overview

  • The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey ended their investigation into BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham with no charges filed.
  • The federal probe followed a May 2021 civil lawsuit by Indian artisans alleging human trafficking, confinement, extremely low pay and caste-based targeting.
  • BAPS welcomed the outcome and reiterated that the temple was built through volunteer seva, with Swami Brahmaviharidas calling the closure a restoration of faith in justice.
  • Reports at the time noted federal agents conducted court‑authorized activity at the New Jersey site in 2021 as the investigation began.
  • In 2023, more than a dozen artisans were reported to have withdrawn from the civil complaint, even as earlier allegations and related coverage remain part of the public record.