India expresses concern over alleged plot to attack Hindu temple in US, seeks action

India has expressed concern over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, and called on US authorities to investigate the case thoroughly, bring those responsible to justice and take measures to protect the Indian community.

In a statement responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, was particularly disturbing. “We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois,” Jaiswal said. The government also said it had taken note of the action by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest and detention of the suspect and the charges brought against him. The Ministry alleged the plot at the Hindu temple, saying the incident adds to growing concerns over "racist hostility and anti-India hate" in the United States and calling for decisive action to ensure the safety of the Indian community there.

The statement follows the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis, a resident of Palatine, Illinois, who is accused of planning a mass shooting that could have targeted a Hindu place of worship in Aurora.


Also read: 19-year-old man arrested in US over alleged plot to target Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois

According to the Palatine Police Department, investigators examined electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis that contained white supremacist and extremist ideologies, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.

Police said a search of his residence recovered a rifle, loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and tactical equipment. Paporakis has been charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. The investigation is ongoing, with police working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"This incident adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US. There is a need for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community," Jaiswal said, calling for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community. India also said it expected US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents.

The Consulate General of India in Chicago also responded to the incident on October 14, saying it was aware of reports concerning an alleged attempt to target a place of worship in Aurora and appreciated the timely action taken by law enforcement authorities. The consulate also stated that they were in touch with members of the Indian diaspora and closely monitoring developments.

The alleged plot has also prompted security measures at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora. The temple management said it had been in direct contact with local police and had increased its armed security presence from 9 am to 9 pm to protect devotees, employees and volunteers.