NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Thursday voiced concern and demanded a probe over an alleged plot to target a Hindu temple in the US, saying the incident has heightened India’s concerns over the “growing racist hostility and anti-India hate” in the United States.Also Read | ‘Timely action’: India welcomes US response after Illinois teen held over Hindu temple attack plotThe MEA’s remarks came after US law enforcement agencies arrested a 19-year-old man, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, following an investigation into threats of a potential mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.“We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in the Aurora region 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,” the MEA said in a statement.“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,” it added.The MEA further stated that India expected US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice and take the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The alleged attack plot

According to the Palatine Police Department, which probed the alleged plot and arrested Paporakis, the investigation began on October 11, when it received information from the Mount Prospect Police Department about a possible mass shooting. The tip came from an individual who reported receiving “concerning” electronic messages from Paporakis.Also Read | ‘Where anti-Indian hatred can lead’: US lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi’s warning after plot targeting Aurora Hindu templeInvestigators found that Paporakis had shared a document outlining an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at the temple. He had also circulated images of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment.Police arrested the suspect as he was leaving his home. A subsequent search of the residence yielded a rifle, several loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of additional rounds of ammunition, tactical equipment and other items linked to the investigation.

Among the recovered items was a tactical vest fitted with body armour and a patch displaying imagery associated with white supremacist extremism.Detectives also examined electronic communications and a document attributed to Paporakis titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).” According to the police department, the document contained white supremacist and extremist views, including references to violence against people of South Asian heritage, particularly those of Indian descent.Investigators believe Paporakis may have been planning an attack on October 11, potentially targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area. Following the probe, police contacted Hindu places of worship within their jurisdiction to alert them to the reported threat.