Lawyer representing Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who stands accused of participating in a murder-for-hire scheme targeting a Sikh separatist, described the situation as a "complex matter" for both India and the US, pledging to defend his client "vigorously." Gupta, 52, was apprehended in the Czech Republic last year at the behest of the US government, accused of being involved in a conspiracy to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.
Pannun holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
Gupta was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic last Friday.
“This is a complex matter for both our countries,” stated Gupta’s attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe to PTI before his client's arraignment in a federal court.
“It is extremely important that we refrain from rushing to conclusions so early in the process. Background and details will develop that may cast government allegations into an entirely new light,” Chabrowe emphasized.
“We will pursue his defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures,” he added.
Gupta is scheduled to appear in Manhattan federal court later on Monday for his arraignment.
“On the basis of my decision on (June 3), Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, who is suspected of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire with intent to cause death, was extradited to the US on Friday (June 14) for criminal prosecution,” announced Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek in a post on X.
Gupta is currently detained at the federal Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, where he is listed as an inmate.
US federal prosecutors claim that Gupta had been acting under the direction of an unidentified Indian government official.
However, India has denied any involvement in the case and has launched a high-level investigation into the allegations.
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