In response to the recent assault on Indian students in the United States, the White House has firmly stated that violence rooted in factors such as race, gender, or any other reason is unequivocally condemned and deemed intolerable within the country. The US has emphasized its commitment to preventing and disrupting attacks on Indian and Indian American students. John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, underscored the administration’s proactive efforts to collaborate with state and local authorities in thwarting and punishing such attacks, emphasizing accountability for perpetrators.
Attack incidents in US
Kirby’s statement comes amid a surge of distressing incidents targeting Indian-origin students in various parts of the United States since January 2024. The most recent tragedy involves the demise of Vivek Taneja, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an altercation outside a Washington restaurant. Allegedly, Taneja engaged in a verbal dispute with an unidentified individual which escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in Taneja being knocked to the ground and hitting his head on the pavement. Tragically, he passed away due to his injuries while receiving medical treatment.
This incident follows closely after another harrowing event in January, where Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian-origin graduate, was brutally killed by a homeless drug addict in Lithonia city, Georgia. The horrific attack, captured on camera, saw Saini, who worked part-time as a clerk, being struck nearly 50 times on the head with a hammer. Such incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of Indian-origin individuals residing in the United States. These incidents have put a spotlight on the urgency of addressing safety issues faced by Indian students in the U.S.
Important to implement enhanced safety measures
Ajay Jain Bhutoria, a prominent leader in the Indian American community, expressed profound distress over the tragic loss of these students in separate incidents. He emphasized the critical importance of implementing enhanced safety measures for those pursuing education in the United States, reported PTI. Bhutoria stressed that college authorities and local law enforcement must promptly tackle these challenges.
“These incidents understandably cause great concern among parents and families in India, and their anxieties are shared by many. It is imperative to address safety concerns to ensure the well-being of Indian students studying in the USA,” Bhutoria said. He further added that the Indian American community stands united in advocating for improved safety measures and support systems.