India demands probe into alleged mass shooting plot targeting Illinois Hindu temple

India on Thursday demanded a thorough investigation into an alleged plot in the US to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, underscoring that it adds to growing concern about racist hostility and anti-India hate in America.

India’s expression of concern over the foiled plot came in response to questions from the media. “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. The reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries.

Noting the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest of the suspect and the charges brought against him, the spokesperson said: “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. We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents.”

India’s ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on Thursday termed the attempted mass shooting as “deeply disturbing” and said racist violence has no place in a civilised society. “The attempted mass shooting at the Hindu temple in Aurora is deeply disturbing. Racist violence, including anti-Hindu and anti-India hate has no place in a civilised society,” he said on X.

The US assistant attorney-general Harmeet Dhillon said the civil rights division of the justice department will investigate the incident. “Concerning. @CivilRights will review/investigate,” Dhillon said on X.

US media had earlier in the day reported that a 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, had been arrested from the Chicago suburb of Palatine on October 11 with a document expressing white supremacist views and an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting possibly near a Hindu temple.

According to the local news network ABP 7 Chicago, investigators said they found an AR-style rifle with no serial number, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a tactical vest, a gas can, and items with Nazi symbolism. The document found in his possession included white supremacist and extremist ideologies and had references to violence targeting South Asians, particularly Indians.