India Raises Concern Over Alleged Plot to Attack Hindu Temple in US, Calls for Indian Community’s Safety

October 15, 2026

New Delhi: India has expressed concern over the alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, US. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that this incident further deepens growing concerns about racial hatred and anti-India sentiments in the US. The Ministry has urged US authorities to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of the Indian community.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the alleged plot’s contentious content and its alleged use of anti-Hindu and racial hatred is deeply concerning. It also mentions violence against people of Indian origin.

Demand to ensure safety of the Indian community

Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are deeply concerned by reports of an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. The alleged plot contains anti-Hindu and racially hateful statements, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, which are particularly disturbing.”

He said India has taken note of the actions taken by US law enforcement agencies, including the arrest, detention, and charges filed against the suspect.

The MEA spokesperson said that this incident reflects growing concerns about racial hostility and anti-Indian hatred in the US. He stressed the need to adopt zero tolerance for hate-motivated violence, enhance vigilance, and take decisive action to protect the Indian community.

India also appealed to US authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

19-year-old man arrested, charged with plotting temple attack

This statement comes after the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Papourakis in connection with an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu religious site in Illinois.

According to the Palatine Police Department, the investigation began on October 11. The Mount Prospect Police Department shared information about a potential mass shooting from a person who expressed concern about some electronic messages sent by Papourakis.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly shared a document detailing a plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple. It also included photographs of a rifle, rifle magazines, body armor, and other tactical equipment.

Rifle, ammunition, and tactical equipment recovered from home

According to police, Papourakis was detained while leaving his home. His home was subsequently searched, where a rifle, several loaded rifle magazines, hundreds of spare rifle cartridges, tactical equipment, and other items relevant to the investigation were recovered.

The items recovered included a tactical vest with body armor, which had a patch depicting images associated with white supremacist extremism.

Investigators also examined electronic messages and a document associated with Papourakis. The document is titled “Why I Fought: A.K.A.: (Aurora Shooter’s Manifesto).

According to police, the document contained statements related to white supremacist and extremist ideology. It also mentioned violence against people of South Asian descent, particularly those of Indian descent.

Suspected of planning an attack on October 11th

Investigators suspect that the suspect was planning an attack on October 11th. A potential target could have been a Hindu religious site in the Aurora area.

Papourakis has been charged with one count of making terroristic threats, a Class X felony. He also faces charges of unlawful possession of a weapon.

During a detention hearing on Wednesday, the judge ordered the suspect held in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

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