Hindu groups in UK slam SOAS-led report into 2022 Leicester unrest
Times of India
by NAOMI CANTONFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hindu groups in the UK have strongly rejected a new report led by SOAS University of London, which investigates the 2022 Hindu-Muslim riots in Leicester. The report, titled *Better Together*, has been criticized for its alleged bias against Hindus and "Hindutva," with many accusing it of being funded by George Soros, a philanthropist known for his critical stance on India and Hinduism. The Hindu Community Organisations Group (HCOG) Leicester, representing over 50,000 Hindus, boycotted the inquiry, calling its findings impartial and its funding sources questionable.
The report, authored by human rights expert Prof Juan Méndez, claims that while no single community is to blame for the riots, it largely attributes the violence to Hindus and "Hindutva." This conclusion sharply contrasts with another report by the Henry Jackson Society, which provided a more balanced analysis. The SOAS inquiry also recommends addressing "Hindu extremism" and equates Hindutva with political Islamism, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from Hindu groups.
The 2022 riots in Leicester saw widespread violence, including targeted attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and individuals. Despite this,
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026