NEW DELHI — India on Thursday called on U.S. authorities to investigate an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois. It also asked that those behind the plan be brought to justice.
In an Oct. 15 statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “deeply concerned” by reports of the alleged plan in the Aurora area.
He described its reported anti-Hindu and racist nature, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, as “particularly disturbing.”
Jaiswal said India had noted the suspect’s arrest and detention, along with the charges filed against him.
“This incident adds to growing concerns over racist hostility and anti-India hate in the US,” he said.
He called for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for violence motivated by hate and decisive action to protect the Indian community. U.S. authorities should also take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents, he said.
India’s Consulate General in Chicago had responded Wednesday, thanking police for their timely action. The consulate said it was contacting members of the Indian community and monitoring developments.
Police arrested Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, on Oct. 11. Co-workers had reported messages from him that included an alleged mass shooting plan, according to The Associated Press. Paporakis faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful weapons possession.
Investigators believe he may have planned to attack a Hindu place of worship near Aurora. They have not confirmed the intended location, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Police said a document attributed to Paporakis expressed white supremacist views and referred to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.
His public defender told NBC Chicago that the police and prosecution accounts remain allegations and could change as the investigation continues.
A judge ordered Paporakis held pending trial Wednesday. He is due back in court Oct. 30.
