A Georgia resident has been charged in the U.S. District Court in Chicago with mailing a threatening letter to a spiritual mission situated in suburban Chicago. Jimil Parmar, 33, from Lawrenceville, Georgia, faces one count of mailing a threatening communication. The arrest took place in the Northern District of Georgia. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025, in Atlanta.
The criminal complaint alleges that Parmar sent a letter in July 2023 to the Sant Nirankari Mission in West Chicago, Illinois. The letter read, “CANCEL US CANADA TOUR IMMIDIATELY (sic) SRS ATTACK PLANNED.” This coincided with the visit of the Mission’s spiritual leader, Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, who was touring the United States and Canada. The leader had events scheduled in Chicago and Atlanta.
Additionally, at least four other Sant Nirankari Missions in the United States received similar letters around that time, as noted in the complaint. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting the investigation.
The announcement of the complaint and arrest was made by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Assistance on the case was also provided by the Atlanta Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kavitha J. Babu.
“When a threat of mass violence occurs, our Office will find, arrest, and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Boutros. He emphasized the commitment to holding accountable those who intimidate and incite fear within communities.
“This case serves as a reminder of the hatred many marginalized people face due to their beliefs,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the FBI Atlanta Field Office and other law enforcement partners in addressing threats to community safety.
If convicted, Parmar could face up to five years in federal prison. It is important to note that a complaint is merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. As standard, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.