Gurpatwant Singh Pannun : India Expresses Concern Over Allegations of Foiled Plot Against Khalistan Separatist

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun : US federal prosecutors recently implicated an Indian intelligence official in a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Responding to these allegations, India voiced its concern, stating that it goes against the government's policies.

 

Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the matter during a press briefing on the Prime Minister’s visit to Dubai for the COP-28 summit. He emphasized the seriousness of the issue, highlighting the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism on an international scale. Bagchi revealed that a high-level inquiry committee had been formed, and India would be guided by its results.

 

The alleged plot involved an Indian citizen named Nikhil Gupta, alias Nick, who was arrested by Czech authorities on June 30. Gupta faces charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, with each count carrying a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.

 

The indictment identifies the Indian official, referred to as CC-1, as an employee of an Indian government agency. Describing himself as a "Senior Field Officer" with responsibilities in "Security Management" and "Intelligence," CC-1 has a background in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and has undergone "officer training" in "battle craft" and "weapons."

 

The allegations indicate that CC-1 collaborated with Gupta to plan and direct the assassination plot. Two individuals involved, a source and a hitman, turned out to be undercover US officers. The revelation raises concerns about the extent of international connections in organized crime and extremism.

 

India maintains that such actions are contrary to its government's policies. The involvement of an Indian intelligence official in an alleged assassination plot on foreign soil is a serious matter that requires thorough investigation. As the inquiry committee examines the details, India awaits the results to determine the appropriate course of action in accordance with its commitment to international law and security.

 

In conclusion, the unfolding events involving an Indian intelligence official, Nikhil Gupta, and the foiled plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun have prompted India to express concern and initiate a high-level inquiry. The country remains committed to addressing international issues related to organized crime and extremism, emphasizing the need for cooperation among law enforcement agencies globally.