India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday demanded a thorough U.S. investigation after the arrest of 19‑year‑old Alexandros Paporakis, who was charged with planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. The arrest followed a police probe that uncovered online threats directed at the temple, a site that serves a growing community of Indian immigrants.
Paporakis, a Greek‑American student, had posted messages on social media referencing violence against Indian people. Aurora police seized his weapon cache and digital evidence. A 32‑year‑old mother of two, regular at the temple, said she feels unsafe after learning of the plot.
The MEA’s statement called for zero tolerance of hate‑motivated violence and urged the U.S. to bring those responsible to justice. "We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple," the ministry said.
India has long warned about a surge in anti‑Indian hate crimes abroad, citing incidents such as the 2021 campus attacks that targeted Indian students. The ministry stressed that such threats undermine diplomatic ties and the safety of the diaspora.
U.S. authorities are now expected to prosecute Paporakis and review security protocols at religious sites across the country. A federal court hearing is scheduled for next month, and the MEA has asked Washington to share intelligence and cooperate on counter‑terrorism efforts.