Members of the Indian-American community have expressed varying views about the response of law enforcement to a series of home invasions in Old Bridge, South Plainfield and Edison.
Satish Poondi, legal advisor to the Indian Business Association, Iselin, said the group has arranged a Nov. 12 forum with law enforcement officials, including the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, to continue a dialogue about the attacks that have targeted Indian-American residents. The forum will be held at 7 p.m. at the TV Asia studio, 76 National Road, Edison.
“We thought it is something that is needed to both facilitate dialogue and dispel any rumors,” Poondi said. “More importantly, it is to provide information for the community so they could take the necessary precautions to minimize their risk of being victims.”
However, Peter Kothari, founder and president of the Indo-American Cultural Society, Edison, said he remains dissatisfied with the flow of information about the investigation. He called the planned forum a “political stunt” and decried the method of submitting written questions.
“[Law enforcement] wants somebody to tell people what to ask and how to ask it. This is simple politics,” Kothari said.
He said other members of the Indian- American community have reached out to him to express fears and uncertainty, but he has been unable to reassure them with any solid information.
“People are scared. They are taking extra precautions, and they are very cautious,” Kothari said. “Nobody knows who will be next. What can you do?”
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the home invasions — which took place in Old Bridge on Oct. 20 and 26, South Plainfield on Oct. 28 and Edison on Oct. 30 — have been directed at Indian American families because of their ethnic background.
In each case, two or more masked gunmen forced entry into homes, restrained the residents — including children — and stole cash, electronics and jewelry, according to the prosecutor’s office. The armed men entered the homes through rear entrances each time.
No arrests have been made, but a joint investigation by the prosecutor’s office, New Jersey State Police, the FBI and police departments of each township is ongoing.
Authorities said it is unclear if the same suspects committed the home invasions, but the pattern remained the same in each case.
Poondi said members of the Indian- American community feel vulnerable, but the forum is a way to reassure residents that law enforcement is working to catch the suspects, and it will also serve to inform residents of steps they can take to protect themselves.
County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, Freeholder H. James Polos, representatives of several police departments, the FBI and the New Jersey State Police are expected to attend the forum. Questions must be submitted in writing.
While some are concerned about what they perceive to be a lack of information, such as the suspects’ descriptions and steps being taken to ensure residents’ safety, Poondi said it is necessary to disseminate limited information.
“People need to understand that [informing the community] is part of what we hope to accomplish, but some information can’t be disclosed,” Poondi said. “But the police … and the prosecutor’s office are working very hard and they are taking the steps that are necessary, even though they may not see them on Page 1 of the newspapers.”
Kothari said descriptions or sketches of the suspects should be released, adding that he is uncertain how that information would jeopardize the investigation.
“The main answer is, ‘We cannot disclose because the investigation is going on,’ ” Kothari said. “I can understand that … but what I am not understanding is why they cannot divulge a description.”
He said he will consider organizing protests if the prosecutor’s office does not meaningfully engage community leaders.
Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry said police have continued to pursue an “aggressive investigation” alongside the prosecutor’s office. The police force has also stepped up patrols in response to the home invasions, he said.
In addition, the township is preparing a community outreach video to broadcast to residents, Henry said.
He added that he has been in contact with community leaders and organizations regarding the matter.
“We are reaching out to the community to reassure them,” Henry said. “And we are confident that we’ll catch [the suspects].
“We take this very seriously and are doing everything in our power. And I believe we will be successful.”