Nikhil Gupta, a 52 year old Indian national, appeared in a federal court in the US after being extradited from the Czech Republic. He has been accused of conspiring with an Indian government official to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Despite India's denial of any involvement, a high-level investigation has been launched into the allegations against Gupta.
Nikhil Gupta Extradition and Alleged Sikh Separatist Murder Conspiracy
Nikhil Gupta, a 52-year-old Indian national, has been extradited from the Czech Republic to the United States and appeared in a federal court on charges of conspiring to commit murder.
Background
Nikhil Gupta, a businessman known for his connections to the Indian ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was arrested in the Czech Republic in October 2022. His arrest came amidst allegations that he had conspired with an Indian government official to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader based in the US.
Pannun, the chairman of the banned Sikh separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been a vocal critic of the Indian government and has advocated for the creation of an independent Sikh nation called Khalistan.
Allegations and Charges
The US Department of Justice alleges that Gupta and his co-conspirator, an unnamed Indian government official, plotted to murder Pannun in 2020. The defendants allegedly discussed using a "transnational criminal gang" to carry out the assassination.
Gupta has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and providing material support to a terrorist organization. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
India's Response
India has denied any involvement in the alleged murder plot, calling it a "concocted story." The Indian government has also criticized the US extradition of Gupta, alleging that it was based on "unverified allegations."
Investigation and Developments
Following the allegations against Gupta, the Indian government has launched a high-level investigation into the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that it will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.
Gupta's extradition has sparked diplomatic tensions between the US and India. The Indian government has expressed its displeasure over the extradition, while the US has defended its actions, saying that it is committed to prosecuting those involved in terrorism and murder.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Nikhil Gupta? A1: Nikhil Gupta is an Indian businessman with alleged ties to the ruling BJP.
Q2: What is he accused of? A2: Gupta is accused of conspiring with an Indian government official to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Q3: How was he arrested? A3: Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in October 2022 and extradited to the US in January 2023.
Q4: What is the status of his case? A4: Gupta has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting trial.
Q5: Has India been implicated in the plot? A5: India has denied any involvement, but a high-level investigation has been launched into the allegations.
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