Close on the heels of the killing of Srinivas Kuchibhotla in a hate crime attack in Kansas, an Indian-origin businessman has been shot dead in lancaster, South Carolina.
Patel, 43-year-old, the owner of a convenience store in lancaster County, South Carolina, was found dead of gunshot wounds in the front yard of his home on Thursday, coroner and police officials said. Patel closed his store and drove in his silver mini van to his nearby home where authorities believe he was confronted by his killer.
The store is about 6 km from his house, The Herald reported. The incident took place just days after an Indian engineer was killed in Kansas in a suspected hate crime shooting that had sent shockwaves across the country.
The Indian Government has deputed an official from its Consulate in Atlanta to assist the family of Harnish Patel. Sources said, the Indian Embassy is also in touch with the local community organisation of expat Indians, including those from Gujarat.
The Indian Government is also in touch with the local authorities investigating the incident. Sources said that the County Sheriff has pointed out that this may not be a hate crime.