India assures ‘follow-up action’ after US charges Indian in ‘Pannun murder’ plot
India has vowed to take necessary action after the United States intensified its legal actions against Indian national Nikhil Gupta for allegedly plotting to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The Indian government has formed a special Enquiry Committee to thoroughly investigate the issue and address any implications for international relations and internal security.
Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and ongoing investigation, stating, We have already said that during the course of discussions with the US on bilateral security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others.
India’s response signifies its commitment to resolving the matter satisfactorily. Bagchi confirmed the formation of a high-level Enquiry Committee on November 18, 2023, to investigate all relevant aspects of the case. The government will then proceed with necessary actions based on the committee’s findings.
This statement comes in the wake of the US Justice Department’s announcement that an Indian government official allegedly orchestrated a failed assassination attempt against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American citizen. Nikhil Gupta, the accused, is facing charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, which carry a maximum sentence of 10 years. Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities and awaits extradition.
US Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York expressed his concern, stating, The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs.
The case against Nikhil Gupta involves extensive communication between him and an Indian government official referred to as CC-1. These exchanges were crucial in planning the assassination plot. The Indian official, who possessed a background in security management and intelligence, provided Gupta with detailed personal information about the target, including his home address, phone numbers, and daily routine. Court documents reveal that the Indian official even arranged a $15,000 advance payment to an undercover DEA officer, whom he believed to be a hired assassin.
Moreover, the indictment suggests that Gupta was involved in international narcotics and weapons trafficking prior to being recruited for the assassination plot. This indicates a possible wider network of criminal activities and potential government involvement.
The collaborative efforts of various agencies, including the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, successfully thwarted the plot. The US Attorney’s Office expressed appreciation for their dedication and coordination.
The allegations against Gupta and the involvement of an Indian government official highlight the severity of the situation and raise concerns about the implications for international security. As the investigation progresses, both India and the US are committed to ensuring justice is served.
In light of these developments, it becomes evident that proactive measures are required to address not only this specific case but also any broader issues related to organized crime, terrorism, and the nexus between criminals and terrorists. The outcome of India’s Enquiry Committee will determine the subsequent actions taken by the Indian government, highlighting their determination to safeguard international relationships and maintain internal security.
As the world eagerly awaits the findings of the Enquiry Committee, it is crucial to recognize the seriousness of this case and its potential implications. The collaborative efforts between India and the US underscore the commitment to combat terrorism and eliminate threats to global peace and security.
