MEA Raises Concern Over Rising Racist Hostility, Anti-India Hate in US After Illinois Incident
India calls for a thorough investigation and strict action after a 19 year old suspect was arrested over an alleged shooting plot targeting a place of worship in Aurora.
NEW DELHI, Oct 15: India on Thursday expressed serious concern over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, saying the incident highlights growing worries about racist hostility and anti-India sentiment in the United States.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the alleged anti-Hindu motive behind the plan, along with references to violence against people of Indian origin, was particularly alarming.
Responding to media queries, Jaiswal said India had taken note of the action initiated by US law enforcement agencies, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges filed against him.
The spokesperson stressed the need for increased vigilance, a zero-tolerance approach towards hate-motivated violence and firm measures to protect members of the Indian community living in the US.
“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” Jaiswal said.
According to investigators, a 19-year-old suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine village, was arrested on October 11. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Investigators alleged that the teenager attempted to open fire near the place of worship in Aurora, potentially targeting the Hindu temple. However, the firearm reportedly malfunctioned, preventing the suspected attack from proceeding as intended. He subsequently returned home, according to the account of the incident.
Authorities reportedly recovered a manifesto containing white supremacist ideology and references to violence against people of Indian descent. The material is expected to form part of the investigation into the alleged motive behind the plan.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of religious institutions and the safety of Indian-origin residents amid allegations of racially motivated hostility.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, also described the alleged attempted shooting as deeply disturbing. He said racist violence had no place in a civilised society.
The diplomatic response underscores India’s expectation that the US authorities will establish the full circumstances of the case, ensure accountability and take effective steps to prevent similar threats.
The MEA’s statement also drew attention to the broader challenge of addressing hate-driven violence and ensuring that members of the Indian diaspora can live and worship without fear.
As the investigation proceeds, Indian officials have emphasised the importance of decisive law enforcement action and stronger safeguards for vulnerable communities.
