In 2020, California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD), ostensibly influenced by a Hinduphobic organization calling itself “Equality Labs,” filed a lawsuit against tech entrepreneurs Sundar Iyer, Ramana Kompella, and Cisco Systems. Instead of pursuing justice, the CRD vilified Hindu Americans as “oppressive” and “privileged,” even alleging—without evidence—that thousands of assaults, including rape, were committed by Hindus against Dalits in the United States.

This reckless narrative, repeated ad-nauseum by members of the media and academia, devastated reputations and paved the way for SB 403, legislation designed to codify prejudice into law. In April 2024, the case collapsed: a judge dismissed it with prejudice and sanctioned the CRD for misconduct. SB 403 was not signed into law by California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom. 

This story reflects a deeper pattern: the systematic targeting of Americans through fabricated evidence and distorted history; the complicity of state institutions and lawmakers who refuse to investigate the truth; and the active role of journalists and academics in spreading lies without accountability. 

Grounded in over 200 hours of interviews, CasteGate is a documentary of record. While rooted in the Hindu American experience, its message is universal—a call to confront institutional misconduct, challenge prejudice, and protect the principles that sustain a freer, fairer democracy.