India has said it is constantly in touch with the US authorities over the issue of security and safety of its citizens studying or working in America even as it continues to remain the government’s topmost priority.
“It is important to note that the US authorities are engaged with us on the larger concern regarding safety of Indians in the US, a matter which continues to receive the Government’s top priority,” Gopal Baglay, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said here on Tuesday.
Baglay was replying to query on whether or not India has issued a demarche to the US government over the killing Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, who was killed in a hate crime on February 22 in Olathe, Kansas by a former US Navy personnel.
During the shooting spree, another Indian Alok Madasani, a colleague of Kuchibhotla also got injured. However, another young American – Ian Grillot – who was also present there received bullet wounds while trying to save them.
“The governments of the United States and senior authorities in Kansas have pro-actively responded to the unfortunate death of Shri Srinivas Kuchibhotla … Further, the Charge d’ Affaires of USA stated that the US welcomes people from across the world and the US authorities will investigate thoroughly and prosecute the case,” Baglay said.
He also said that India did not feel the need to issue a demarche to the US because of “sentiments and assurances” given by the Kansas’ authorities who reached out to the Indian Consul General in Houston.
Moreover, Baglay added, that the Charge d’ Affaires at the US Embassy here MaryKay Carlson said the case will be brought to justice.
“These developments obviated the need for a demarche by the Government on this matter. We also must not forget the noble and courageous gesture of the young American Mr. Ian Grillot, who risked his life while countering the shooter,” the Spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the White House on Tuesday also called the incident “disturbing” and said that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also investigating the matter along with the local agencies.