Indian-Origin Man Jailed for Threatening Sikhs in US
Bhushan Athale, a 49-year-old man of Indian descent living in Texas, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison. This sentencing stems from violent threats he made against Sikh employees of a nonprofit organization located in New Jersey.
Details of the Threats
Athale repeatedly contacted the organization in 2022 and 2023, leaving numerous threatening voicemails. These messages indicated his intent to harm or kill the employees, including threats to shave their hair with a razor.
He pleaded guilty to interfering with federally protected activities by threatening with a dangerous weapon and making interstate threats. The criminal complaint stated that Athale used profane language and insults against members of the religious group.
Hate-Fueled Messages
Athale's messages included hate speech and violent sexual imagery targeting both Sikhs and Muslims. He had also sent similar hate-fueled emails to a Muslim colleague in November 2021, according to a separate complaint.
In a telephone interview with law enforcement, Athale expressed his hatred for Muslims, claiming they had ruined India.
Justice Department's Response
The Department of Justice has strongly condemned these hate-fueled threats and violence. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the Department's zero tolerance policy for such acts.
