The Centre on Friday reached out to the family of the NRI engineer who was shot dead in an apparent hate crime in the U.S.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the government would provide all possible support to the family of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was killed in an attack that left another Indian injured.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to social media soon after Mr. Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani were shot at a bar in Olathe, Kansas.
Shocked, says Sushma
“I am shocked at the shooting incident in Kansas in which Srinivas Kuchibhotla has been killed. My hearfelt condolences to bereaved family,” Ms. Swaraj said on Twitter.
She also spoke to the Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Navtej Sarna, regarding the case and asked diplomats to reach out to nationals in Kansas.
Subsequently, Consul R.D. Joshi based in Houston reached Kansas to provide assistance and held consultations with the Indian community in the city. Mr. Madasani, who was released after treatment, met Mr. Joshi at home. Vice-Consul Harpal Singh has also reached Kansas from Dallas to provide support.
“During the incident a third person, an American, who tried to intervene also received injuries,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup confirmed.
News reports from Kansas revealed that 24-year-old Ian Grillot chased the shooter. Mr. Grillot is currently stable but hospitalised with serious injuries. The MEA later tweeted the photograph of Mr. Joshi meeting with the Indian representatives in Kansas on Friday.
“They will facilitate in bringing the mortal remains of the deceased and will be in touch with local police officials to ascertain more details of the incident and monitor follow-up action,” said Mr. Swarup explaining the public outreach.
The U.S. Embassy said that American officials are supporting Indian diplomats as they reach out to the victims of the attack.
Charge d’Affaires MaryKay Carlson said, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic and senseless act. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families. The United States is a nation of immigrants and welcomes people from across the world to visit, work, study, and live,” and promised that the U.S. authorities would conduct necessary investigations and prosecute the case.
