World News
Former temple workers pursue civil wage claims after federal criminal inquiry closes
A civil wage lawsuit against BAPS proceeds after prosecutors closed a criminal probe without charges, according to France 24.
The short version
- Workers accused the Hindu sect BAPS of confining them and paying roughly $1 per hour during temple construction in New Jersey.[France 24]
- BAPS leadership has consistently and strenuously denied all allegations of forced labor, human trafficking, and wage violations.[France 24]
- The US Department of Justice closed its criminal investigation in September 2025 without bringing any charges.[France 24]
- A civil wage theft lawsuit against the organization remains active and is continuing forward.[France 24]
Key facts
- In October 2020, a stone carver named Mohan Lal died on the BAPS New Jersey temple grounds.[France 24]
- Advocacy groups reported that a May 2021 FBI operation removed more than 100 workers from the temple site.[France 24]
- Six laborers launched a class-action lawsuit alleging confinement and pay equivalent to roughly $1 hourly.[France 24]
- BAPS representatives have firmly and repeatedly rejected all claims of forced labor and wage abuse.[France 24]
- The US Department of Justice ended its criminal investigation in September 2025 without issuing charges.[France 24]
- A civil wage theft lawsuit against the organization remains active and is proceeding in court.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- The resolution and potential damages of the ongoing civil wage theft lawsuit remain undetermined.[France 24]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.