Indian American charged with federal hate crime against employees of Sikh organization

Washington, June 6 (PTI): An Indian-American man from Texas has been charged with a federal hate crime and accused of issuing interstate threats against employees of a Sikh non-profit organisation.

Bhushan Athal, 48, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for interfering with federally protected activities by threatening to use a dangerous weapon, a statement issued by the Justice Department said.

He also faces a maximum prison sentence of five years for sending interstate threats, the statement said. Both charges also carry a fine of up to US$250,000.

According to the complaint filed on September 17, 2022, Athale allegedly called the phone number of an organisation that advocates for the civil rights of Sikh individuals in the United States.

He allegedly left seven voicemails expressing “extreme hatred” toward Sikh individuals working for the organisation and threatening to “injure or kill these individuals with a razor,” the statement said.

It said Athale’s voicemail allegedly contained “violent images and obscenity, and references to places, people and doctrines that are particularly significant in Sikhism.”

In March, Athalye allegedly called the organisation again and left two more voicemails — this time the targets were Sikhs and Muslims.

The Justice Department said the investigation revealed that Athalye has a “long history of making religious-based comments and threats” and that he had previously used a professional networking site “to express to a former co-worker that he hated him.”[d] Pakistan and hatred[d] Muslim”. PTI LKJ Sky Sky

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