Mission offers aid to family of Indian-origin man killed in US

The Indian consulate in US' Atlanta has deputed an official to meet the family of Harnish Patel, an Indian-origin businessman who was shot dead in South Carolina, it was learnt on Saturday.

"CGI Atlanta is in touch with the family. It is deputing a consular official to meet the family and offer condolences and any required assistance," a source here said.

The mission, it is learnt, is also in touch with the local community organisation of expatriate Indians, including those from Gujarat.

Patel, 43, had closed his shop at 11.24 p.m. on Thursday and barely 10 minutes later was shot dead outside his home in Lancaster, South Carolina.

Patel's death comes two days after President Donald Trump had said the nation condemned as "hate and evil" the killing of Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was shot dead in a pub the previous Wednesday in Olathe, Kansas, by a white man who screamed, "Get out of my country".

According to the source here, the County Sheriff has pointed out that Patel's killing may not be a hate crime.

"Local authorities are investigating. We will remain in touch with them," the source said.

--IANS

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