New Delhi, 15 October (H.S.): India has expressed deep concern over an alleged foiled shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois, the United States, and called on the US administration to take decisive action to curb growing racial hostility and anti-India hatred in the country.

Responding to media queries on Thursday regarding the alleged plot against a Hindu temple in Illinois, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the anti-Hindu and racist nature of the incident was particularly disturbing. He stated that the case had further intensified concerns about rising racial hostility and anti-India sentiment in the United States, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and decisive action.

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, has been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. He has been charged with making terrorist threats and illegally possessing a rifle.

Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned by reports of an alleged conspiracy to target a Hindu temple in the Aurora area of Illinois with a mass shooting. He stressed that the anti-Hindu and racist character of the alleged plot was especially troubling.

According to the spokesperson, the incident has further heightened concerns over racial hostility and anti-India hatred in the United States.

He emphasised that greater vigilance, zero tolerance towards hate-motivated violence and decisive action were necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Indian community.

“We expect the US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” Jaiswal said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar