Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (Oct 15) said that the attempted mass shooting incident at a Hindu temple in Illinois was “deeply concerning”. Calling the incident “anti-Hindu and racist” in nature, the MEA said that “violence against people of Indian origin” was “disturbing.” The ministry said that the incident raises growing concerns over “anti-India hate in the US” and called for “decisive action” to ensure the safety of the Indian community in the United States. This comes after police in suburban Chicago said that they foiled an alleged mass shooting plot that may have targeted a Hindu place of worship.In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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 reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing.”He added, “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.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-foil-alleged-mass-shooting-plot-targeting-illinois-hindu-temple-19-year-old-alexandros-paporakis-s-manifesto-called-indians-subhumans-1792029089410">US police foil alleged mass shooting plot targeting Illinois Hindu temple during Navratri; 19-year-old’s manifesto called Indians ‘subhumans’</a><h2>MEA demands ‘thorough investigation’</h2>The police have arrested a 19-year-old man who has been accused of expressing hatred towards Indians and other minority groups. The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier from Palatine, Illinois, faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon. Investigators believe he may have planned an attack on the largest Hindu temple in the Aurora area, although authorities have not confirmed the specific intended location.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries regarding an attempted mass shooting incident in the United States.

🔗 https://t.co/mKh70FMPsI https://t.co/yVQ3OeSo4d&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2110657430095012232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Speaking about the arrest, Jaiswal said, “We have taken note of the action taken by US law enforcement authorities, including the arrest and detention of the suspect and the charges brought against him.”He further said that India expects US authorities to “thoroughly investigate the matter” and bring those responsible to justice. He demanded that necessary measures must be taken to prevent such incidents.“We expect US authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter, bring those responsible to justice, and take all necessary measures to prevent such incidents,” Jaiswal said.

India’s MEA has condemned an alleged shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois as anti-Hindu and racist, urging US authorities to investigate the case and ensure the safety of the Indian community.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (Oct 15) said that the attempted mass shooting incident at a Hindu temple in Illinois was “deeply concerning”. Calling the incident “anti-Hindu and racist” in nature, the MEA said that “violence against people of Indian origin” was “disturbing.” The ministry said that the incident raises growing concerns over “anti-India hate in the US” and called for “decisive action” to ensure the safety of the Indian community in the United States. This comes after police in suburban Chicago said that they foiled an alleged mass shooting plot that may have targeted a Hindu place of worship. In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “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 reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the alleged plot, including references to violence against people of Indian origin, is particularly disturbing.” He added, “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.” Also read | US police foil alleged mass shooting plot targeting Illinois Hindu temple during Navratri; 19-year-old’s manifesto called Indians ‘subhumans’ MEA demands ‘thorough investigation’ The police have arrested a 19-year-old man who has been accused of expressing hatred towards Indians and other minority groups. The suspect, identified as Alexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier from Palatine, Illinois, faces felony charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawfully possessing a weapon. Investigators believe he may have planned an attack on the largest Hindu temple in the Aurora area, although authorities have not confirmed the specific intended location.

India’s MEA has condemned an alleged shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois as anti-Hindu and racist, urging US authorities to investigate the case and ensure the safety of the Indian community.

‘Racist hostility and anti-India hate’: MEA demands action over alleged Illinois Hindu temple attack plot

Inderjit Singh Gosal, a prominent member of the Khalistani movement and a key organiser for the US-based Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was arrested by Canadian authorities. Gosal, 36, assumed a central role in SFJ's Canadian operations after the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Nijjar, who had been gunned down in British Columbia, had previously served as the primary organiser for SFJ in Canada.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paracetamol-causes-autism-trump-admin-to-reveal-alarming-side-effects-of-tylenol-use-by-pregnant-women-1758529171001">Paracetamol causes autism? Trump admin to reveal alarming side effects of Tylenol use by pregnant women</a>&nbsp;In November 2023, Canadian police detained Gosal in connection with a violent altercation at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where he allegedly attacked Hindu-Canadian worshippers. However, he was later granted conditional release by Peel Regional Police (PRP). At that time, it was noted that Gosal was one of the main figures behind the controversial Khalistan referendum in Canada.<h2>Who is Inderjit Singh Gosal?</h2>Regarded as a close associate of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ, Gosal is seen as a key lieutenant in the group's operations. Pannun, who is designated a terrorist by India, continues to lead the group's push for an independent Sikh homeland.&nbsp;Gosal was also among the 13 Canadian citizens warned by police as potential targets of criminal violence linked to pro-Khalistan activities. Following the attack on the Hindu temple in Brampton, which was hosting a consular event at the time, SFJ claimed that Gosal had been a victim of this violence. Indian officials, including representatives from the Toronto Consulate, were reportedly present during the protest.&nbsp;In a recent statement, Gosal expressed his unwavering commitment to the Khalistan cause, saying that he would not fear death if it meant achieving an independent Sikh state. “I know what I signed up for,” Gosal was quoted as saying to The Financial Times. "Death doesn't scare me."&nbsp;The Khalistan movement, which has its roots in the independence struggle, gained renewed momentum after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which many Sikhs term a ‘genocide’. The resulting violence forced thousands to flee India, with many seeking refuge in Canada. The attack at the Hindu temple in Brampton further aggravated diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Canadian political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, condemned the attack.&nbsp;

Who is Inderjit Singh Gosal? Key Khalistani figure, arrested in Canada after violent attack at Hindu temple

Inderjit Singh Gosal, a prominent member of the Khalistani movement and a key organiser for the US-based Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), was arrested by Canadian authorities. Gosal, 36, assumed a central role in SFJ's Canadian operations after the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Nijjar, who had been gunned down in British Columbia, had previously served as the primary organiser for SFJ in Canada. Also Read: Paracetamol causes autism? Trump admin to reveal alarming side effects of Tylenol use by pregnant women In November 2023, Canadian police detained Gosal in connection with a violent altercation at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where he allegedly attacked Hindu-Canadian worshippers. However, he was later granted conditional release by Peel Regional Police (PRP). At that time, it was noted that Gosal was one of the main figures behind the controversial Khalistan referendum in Canada. Who is Inderjit Singh Gosal? Regarded as a close associate of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of SFJ, Gosal is seen as a key lieutenant in the group's operations. Pannun, who is designated a terrorist by India, continues to lead the group's push for an independent Sikh homeland. Gosal was also among the 13 Canadian citizens warned by police as potential targets of criminal violence linked to pro-Khalistan activities. Following the attack on the Hindu temple in Brampton, which was hosting a consular event at the time, SFJ claimed that Gosal had been a victim of this violence. Indian officials, including representatives from the Toronto Consulate, were reportedly present during the protest. In a recent statement, Gosal expressed his unwavering commitment to the Khalistan cause, saying that he would not fear death if it meant achieving an independent Sikh state. “I know what I signed up for,” Gosal was quoted as saying to The Financial Times. "Death doesn't scare me." The Khalistan movement, which has its roots in the independence struggle, gained renewed momentum after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which many Sikhs term a ‘genocide’. The resulting violence forced thousands to flee India, with many seeking refuge in Canada. The attack at the Hindu temple in Brampton further aggravated diplomatic tensions between India and Canada. Canadian political leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, condemned the attack.

Inderjit Singh Gosal, a key Khalistani figure and organiser for Sikhs for Justice in Canada, was arrested after a violent incident at a Hindu temple in Brampton

Inderjeet Gosal, known as a primary organiser of the Khalistan referendum in Canada, has been arrested in connection with a violent incident at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) last week.

According to a statement released by Peel Regional Police (PRP) on Saturday, Gosal, a 35-year-old Brampton resident, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with assault with a weapon. The statement also mentioned that Gosal was released under specific conditions and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Gosal’s arrest on November 8 followed an incident at the Hindu Sabha temple where, during a protest, pro-Khalistan demonstrators reportedly attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees. The demonstration, held on The Gore Road, quickly turned violent, with some participants wielding flags and sticks as weapons. Police have gathered video evidence of the altercation and are working to identify other individuals involved.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-confirms-suspension-of-gaza-mediation-cites-lack-of-seriousness-from-israel-and-hamas-774896">Qatar confirms suspension of Gaza mediation, says will resume talks when...</a>

A dedicated Strategic Investigative Team has been set up by the PRP to investigate these events further, focusing on incidents that took place on November 3 and 4. Authorities highlighted that such investigations take time, and they plan to make more arrests as they identify suspects.

The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3 saw pro-Khalistan activists engaging in physical attacks against Hindu devotees. The PRP intervened as the demonstration, which included the display of flags and banners, escalated into violence, according to a statement from the police.

Gosal, who serves as a coordinator for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) — an organisation banned in India — is identified by officials as a lead organiser of the Khalistan referendum in Canada and has been charged in connection with the recent attack on the Hindu temple.

SFJ, in turn, claimed that Gosal was unfairly targeted during a pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha temple, which was hosting a consular event at the time. Indian consulate officials from Toronto were reportedly on-site during the protest.

In a recent statement to The Financial Times, Gosal expressed his commitment to the Khalistan movement, saying, “I know what I signed up for, death doesn’t scare me.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Inderjeet Gosal, known as a primary organiser of the Khalistan referendum in Canada, has been arrested in connection with a violent incident at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) last week.

Inderjeet Gosal, known as a primary organiser of the Khalistan referendum in Canada, has been arrested in connection with a violent incident at a Hindu temple in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) last week. According to a statement released by Peel Regional Police (PRP) on Saturday, Gosal, a 35-year-old Brampton resident, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with assault with a weapon. The statement also mentioned that Gosal was released under specific conditions and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton. Gosal’s arrest on November 8 followed an incident at the Hindu Sabha temple where, during a protest, pro-Khalistan demonstrators reportedly attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees. The demonstration, held on The Gore Road, quickly turned violent, with some participants wielding flags and sticks as weapons. Police have gathered video evidence of the altercation and are working to identify other individuals involved. Also read: Qatar confirms suspension of Gaza mediation, says will resume talks when... A dedicated Strategic Investigative Team has been set up by the PRP to investigate these events further, focusing on incidents that took place on November 3 and 4. Authorities highlighted that such investigations take time, and they plan to make more arrests as they identify suspects. The violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton on November 3 saw pro-Khalistan activists engaging in physical attacks against Hindu devotees. The PRP intervened as the demonstration, which included the display of flags and banners, escalated into violence, according to a statement from the police. Gosal, who serves as a coordinator for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) — an organisation banned in India — is identified by officials as a lead organiser of the Khalistan referendum in Canada and has been charged in connection with the recent attack on the Hindu temple. SFJ, in turn, claimed that Gosal was unfairly targeted during a pro-Khalistan demonstration outside the Hindu Sabha temple, which was hosting a consular event at the time. Indian consulate officials from Toronto were reportedly on-site during the protest. In a recent statement to The Financial Times, Gosal expressed his commitment to the Khalistan movement, saying, “I know what I signed up for, death doesn’t scare me.” (With inputs from agencies)

Inderjeet Gosal, Khalistani leader behind Hindu temple attack in Brampton, Canada arrested

India condemned the attack by a pro-Khalistani mob at a temple in Canada. The attack took place outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada. Watch this report for more details!

Canada PM Trudeau Condemns Attack on Hindu Devotees in Canada, Calls It 'Unacceptable'

India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reacted to the Hindu temple attack in Canada’s Brampton, calling the incident “deeply concerning.”&nbsp;

"What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning," news agency Reuters quoted S Jaishankar as saying in the Australian capital Canberra while he was on an official visit.

Jaishankar also criticized Canada's approach to the allegations against India, noting a tendency to accuse without offering concrete details. "Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics," he remarked.

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Breaking: EAM Dr S Jaishankar reacts to Canada developments 
 
"Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics" 
 
Unacceptable Indian diplomats put under surveillance 
 
"Political space given to extremists force" in Canada <a href="https://t.co/6UNTENCOUg">pic.twitter.com/6UNTENCOUg</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1853628501733065177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The EAM further hints at a growing diplomatic strain between India and Canada as a result of the harbouring of violent separatist activities.

"Political space today, which is being given to extremist forces" in Canada, points Jaishankar.

Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said India condemns the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-hindu-temple-attack-police-arrests-three-people-demonstrating-against-khalistanis-773225">PM Modi strongly condemns attack on Hindu temple; Canada police arrest three Hindus</a>

The attack witnessed widespread condemnation from Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called the attack “unacceptable”, without naming the group that instigated the violence.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya, while condemning the violence in the Hindu temple said on Monday that a “red line has been crossed” by Khalistani extremists.

<h2>Hindu temple attacked in Canada’s Brampton</h2>

The Khalistani extremists attacked a Hindu Sabha temple in Canada’s Brampton on Sunday (Nov 3) while devotees were inside the temple.

Watch |&nbsp;India Condemns Attack on Hindu Devotees in Canada's Brampton

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Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani extremists also attacked kids and women.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eam-jaishankar-says-india-actively-working-for-peace-in-russia-ukraine-israel-hamas-conflicts-773001">EAM Jaishankar says India actively working for peace in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas conflicts</a>

The Ontario Sikh Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also condemned the incident of Khalistani violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, saying, "Violence and intimidation have no place in our community."

The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance in Canada. In July, a Hindu BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised with hateful graffiti towards India and Hindus.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reacted to the Hindu temple attack in Canada’s Brampton, calling the incident “deeply concerning.” "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning," news agency Reuters quoted S Jaishankar as saying in the Australian capital Canberra while he was on an official visit.

India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday reacted to the Hindu temple attack in Canada’s Brampton, calling the incident “deeply concerning.” "What happened yesterday at the Hindu temple in Canada was obviously deeply concerning," news agency Reuters quoted S Jaishankar as saying in the Australian capital Canberra while he was on an official visit. Jaishankar also criticized Canada's approach to the allegations against India, noting a tendency to accuse without offering concrete details. "Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics," he remarked. Breaking: EAM Dr S Jaishankar reacts to Canada developments "Canada has developed a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics" Unacceptable Indian diplomats put under surveillance "Political space given to extremists force" in Canada pic.twitter.com/6UNTENCOUg — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 5, 2024 × The EAM further hints at a growing diplomatic strain between India and Canada as a result of the harbouring of violent separatist activities. "Political space today, which is being given to extremist forces" in Canada, points Jaishankar. Earlier on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said India condemns the acts of violence perpetrated by extremists and separatists with an expectation that those indulging in violence "will be prosecuted". Also Read | PM Modi strongly condemns attack on Hindu temple; Canada police arrest three Hindus The attack witnessed widespread condemnation from Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called the attack “unacceptable”, without naming the group that instigated the violence. Canadian MP Chandra Arya, while condemning the violence in the Hindu temple said on Monday that a “red line has been crossed” by Khalistani extremists. Hindu temple attacked in Canada’s Brampton The Khalistani extremists attacked a Hindu Sabha temple in Canada’s Brampton on Sunday (Nov 3) while devotees were inside the temple. Watch | India Condemns Attack on Hindu Devotees in Canada's Brampton × Following the attacks, the Hindu Canadian Foundation, a non-profit organisation working for the Hindu community in Canada shared a video of the attack on the temple and said that the Khalistani extremists also attacked kids and women. Also Read | EAM Jaishankar says India actively working for peace in Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas conflicts The Ontario Sikh Gurdwara Council (OSGC) also condemned the incident of Khalistani violence outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, saying, "Violence and intimidation have no place in our community." The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance in Canada. In July, a Hindu BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised with hateful graffiti towards India and Hindus. (With inputs from agencies)

'Political space given to extremist forces': EAM Jaishankar reacts to attack on Hindu temple in Canada

India Condemns Attack on Hindu Devotees in Canada's Brampton