US Charges Indian National With Conspiracy To Murder SFJ Founder Gurpatwant Pannun
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US resident and founder of Sikhs for Justice, is facing charges in the US for allegedly planning to harm Sikhs.
An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, has been charged by the United States with conspiring to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice and a US citizen designated as a terrorist by the Indian government. Czech authorities detained Gupta in June, and he is currently awaiting extradition, according to the US attorney¡¯s office.
Meanwhile, Indian sources have refuted claims that Indian agencies assigned Gupta the task of assassinating Pannun, stating that they are closely monitoring the case.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US resident and founder of Sikhs for Justice, is facing charges in the US for allegedly planning to harm Sikhs. The Indian government has labeled Pannun a terrorist. Czech officials arrested Nikhil Gupta in June and are awaiting extradition, per the US attorney¡¯s office.
What happened?
According to prosecutors who did not disclose his name, Pannun is a prominent critic of the Indian government, leading a US-based organization advocating for the secession of Punjab, India's state with a significant Sikh population.
The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization is banned in India.
Where did it happen?
Amidst claims that Indian agents assigned the mission to kill SFJ founder Gurpatwant Pannun to Nikhil Gupta, sources from India deny any evidence connecting Gupta to the alleged plot.
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Extradition Likely, but No Indian Evidence
While the US pursues Gupta's extradition from the Czech Republic, Indian authorities emphasize a lack of evidence against him, asserting no involvement. Close communication between the two nations aims to prevent strained relations, with India offering support if needed.
Accusations Follow Foiled Plot Announcement
The accusations coincide with a recent statement by a senior Biden administration official revealing the foiled plan to murder a Sikh separatist on US soil. The official claimed Indian involvement, specifically targeting Pannun. In response, the US has sent its top intelligence officers to India, demanding an inquiry and justice for the alleged conspiracy.
Charges Against Nikhil Gupta: Murder-for-Hire Allegations
BCCL
According to a press release from the US Department of Justice, Nikhil Gupta faces charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. After considering several factors, a federal district court judge will decide the actual sentence, with each count carrying a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.
Initial Indictment and Unsealed Details
The charges stem from an indictment filed in mid-June and unsealed in July, alleging Gupta's coordination of a $15,000 payment to a purported hitman¡¯s associate. However, the initial document doesn't reveal the intended victim. A superseding indictment, recently unsealed, provides additional details, connecting Gupta to a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen in New York City.
Foiled plot and Indian government connection
The court documents reveal that earlier this year, an Indian government employee (referred to as "CC-1") collaborated with Gupta to orchestrate a plot to assassinate a US citizen in New York City. Gupta is described as an associate of "CC-1," detailing his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking in communications with "CC-1" and others.
Identity of "CC-1"
"CC-1" is identified as an Indian government agency employee with roles in security management, intelligence, and prior service in the Central Reserve Police Force. The press release notes his references to officer training in battlecraft and weapons.
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