India Urges US to Protect Indians After Foiled Illinois Temple Shooting Plotਇਲੀਨਾਏ ਮੰਦਰ 'ਤੇ ਗੋਲੀਬਾਰੀ ਦੀ ਸਾਜ਼ਿਸ਼ ਨਾਕਾਮ; ਭਾਰਤ ਨੇ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਨੂੰ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਕਿਹਾ

India has called on the United States to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals after a foiled plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, near Chicago. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the plot a matter of "deep concern" at a briefing on Friday, October 16.

What happened at the Aurora temple?

Police say a 19-year-old from Palatine, Illinois, Alexandros Paporakis, drove to the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora on Sunday, October 11, armed with a rifle and body armour. Officials say he stayed in the parking lot for several minutes but left after the weapon jammed, according to the Associated Press and India Today.

How was the plot uncovered?

AP reports that a co-worker at a Taco Bell alerted authorities to his talk of wanting to "kill Indian people". He was arrested near his home on Wednesday, October 14, charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon, and ordered held without bail. Investigators examined electronic communications and a manifesto containing white-supremacist views and hatred of Indians, Economic Times reports. These are allegations; the case is before a court.

What did India say?

Mr Jaiswal said the incident "highlights the increasing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community in the United States". He added that India had noted the action taken by US law enforcement but called on Washington to ensure the "safety, security and well-being" of Indian nationals. India had earlier called the plot a "racist, anti-Hindu attack" and asked for a thorough investigation, Hindustan Times reports.

How did US lawmakers react?

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents the area, said he and his parents were inside the temple that Sunday afternoon. In a letter dated October 16, Representatives Ro Khanna and Rich McCormick, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, asked Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel to probe the case as a potential federal hate crime, find out whether others were involved and brief Congress, India Today reports.

Why does it matter to the diaspora?

Community leaders told AP the plot followed years of anti-Hindu and anti-Indian rhetoric online. For Punjabi and other South Asian families who worship in North America, the case has renewed questions about security at places of worship.

Was anyone hurt in the Aurora temple plot?

No injuries have been reported. Officials say the rifle jammed and the suspect left.

Who is accused in the Illinois temple plot?

Alexandros Paporakis, 19, of Palatine, Illinois, has been charged with making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of a weapon. He has not been convicted.

What has India asked the US to do?

India has asked the US to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals and to investigate the plot fully.