TX Man Charged With Hate Crime Against Sikh Employees Of Non Profit

India-West News Desk

DALLAS, TX – Bhushan Athale, 48, has been charged with a federal hate crime and is accused of issuing interstate threats against Sikh employees of a Sikh nonprofit organization. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for interfering with federally protected activities by threatening to use a dangerous weapon.

He also faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for sending an interstate threat. Both charges also carry a penalty of up to $ 250,000, the Department of Justice said.

According to the complaint lodged on September 17, 2022, Athale allegedly called the phone number of an organization that advocates for the civil rights of Sikh individuals within the US. He left seven voicemails expressing extreme hatred towards Sikh Employees working at the organization and threatening to “injure or kill these individuals with a razor,” the DoJ said.

The Department of Justice said that the investigation showed that Athale has a “long history of making religious-based comments and threats.” It said he previously made statements about his hatred for Pakistan and Muslims.