Beneath the stunning craftsmanship of the Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, lies a disturbing reality of alleged worker abuse, visa fraud, and medical neglect, including multiple deaths from silicosis, affecting hundreds of Dalit laborers.
The Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest modern Hindu mandir outside India, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is celebrated for its intricate, hand-carved stone designs. However, its construction between 2015 and 2023 is marred by serious allegations of worker exploitation. Hundreds of Dalit laborers from Rajasthan, India, were reportedly subjected to forced labor, working 90 hours a week for as little as $1.20 an hour. Workers claim their passports were confiscated, family contact was restricted, and they were denied adequate protective equipment, leading to severe respiratory illnesses. At least two workers, Ramesh Meena and Devi Lal, allegedly died from silicosis, a preventable lung disease caused by silica dust inhalation, while others developed tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis. One worker also died by suicide after returning to India, with family attributing it to working conditions. Workers report being sent back to India if they exhibited health problems and discouraged from seeking outside medical care. Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham denies these allegations, asserting a 'ministerial exception' and claiming workers were religious volunteers (Seva) provided with housing, meals, medical care, and free communication. However, workers contend 'Seva' was a guise to exploit R-1 religious worker visas. While a federal criminal investigation concluded without charges, a civil lawsuit seeking backpay and compensation for harm is now resuming, bringing to light what human rights attorneys describe as 'modern slavery' rooted in historical Dalit exploitation.
