India has urged a thorough US investigation after a teenager was arrested over an alleged plot to target an Illinois Hindu temple with gun violence…reports India Daily News Desk
India has expressed deep concern over an alleged mass-shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, warning that the incident adds to growing concerns about anti-Hindu hostility, racism and anti-India hate in the United States.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called on US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible to justice and take measures to protect the Indian community.
“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 ministry said in a statement responding to media queries.
It described the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, as particularly disturbing.
The ministry said it had taken note of the arrest and detention of the suspect and the charges brought against him. It called for greater vigilance, zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence and decisive action to prevent similar incidents.
The case has prompted condemnation from Indian-American lawmakers, community organisations and Indian diplomatic representatives, while US law enforcement officials have stressed the seriousness of the alleged threat.
Two-year planning?
US authorities arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis in Palatine, Illinois, after a co-worker alerted police to communications about the alleged plot.
According to prosecutors and police, Paporakis told the co-worker that he had gone to a Hindu temple in Aurora on Saturday and attempted to fire a rifle, but the weapon failed to discharge. He allegedly said he intended to try again after fixing it.
The co-worker contacted the Mount Prospect Police Department on Sunday. The information was passed to authorities in Palatine, where Paporakis lived, leading to his arrest.
He appeared in court on Wednesday and was charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. A judge ordered him held in custody until October 30, when he is due to appear in court again.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
Police said a search of his residence uncovered a rifle, loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and body armour bearing white supremacist extremist designs. Investigators also recovered an eight-page document described as a manifesto, which prosecutors said contained racist statements about Indians, Hindus and other minority groups.
Authorities alleged that Paporakis had been planning the attack for two years. Palatine Police Chief William Nord said the writings referred to extremist ideology, violence and mass killings.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assisted local police in examining electronic devices and communications linked to the investigation. Officials have said they have not identified an ongoing public threat associated with the incident.
Indian-American leaders condemn
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, condemned the alleged plot, saying racist violence, including anti-Hindu and anti-India hatred, had no place in a civilised society.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois, said he and his family worshipped at the targeted temple and expressed horror at the alleged attempt to attack Indian Americans.
He thanked the co-worker who alerted police and praised officers for intervening, warning that white supremacist hatred must be confronted before lives are lost.
Lawmakers from both major US political parties also condemned the alleged plot. Republican Representative Rich McCormick, co-chair of the House India Caucus, said freedom of worship was a fundamental American right. Democrat Jamie Raskin called for a united response to white supremacist violence targeting religious institutions.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said her office would review or investigate the case.
The FBI’s Chicago office said it worked with local police to investigate the threat. Acting FBI official Lucas Rothar said the agency had zero tolerance for violence or threats intended to silence people exercising their constitutional rights, including religious freedom.
Hindu community organisations have also called for stronger security at places of worship. The Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council issued a security advisory to temples in its network, while the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies and the Coalition of Hindus of North America condemned the alleged plot and urged action against anti-Hindu hostility.
The case has renewed concerns among community groups about threats to Hindu religious institutions. FBI figures cited in reports showed that reported anti-Hindu hate crimes rose to 32 in 2025, from 25 in 2024.
Police have said they believe Paporakis acted alone and have not identified a continuing threat linked to the case. Investigators are continuing to examine the evidence.
