A group of Indian-American Congress members received a classified briefing from President Joe Biden's administration regarding the indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta. Gupta faces charges related to an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in the US.
The lawmakers, including Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Ro Khanna, appreciated the briefing but expressed deep concern over the allegations. They highlighted the paramount importance of their constituents' safety.
While acknowledging India's Committee of Enquiry to investigate the matter, the lawmakers urged a thorough investigation, emphasizing accountability, potentially involving Indian government officials. They stressed the necessity to prevent such incidents in the future.
Gupta faces serious charges and a possible 20-year prison term if convicted in the murder-for-hire conspiracy. The indictment also implicates an unnamed Indian government employee in the alleged assassination attempt on US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal counsel for the banned Khalistan group. Gupta, currently detained in Prague, was arrested based on a US extradition request.
Key Points:
1. Indian-American Congress members were briefed by President Joe Biden's administration on the indictment of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national allegedly involved in a foiled plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in the US.
2. Five lawmakers, including Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Ro Khanna, commended the administration for providing them a classified briefing on Gupta's indictment.
3. Their statement highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, expressing deep concern regarding an Indian government official's alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot targeting an American citizen.
4. The lawmakers also appreciated India's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to thoroughly investigate the murder plot, emphasizing the need for accountability, particularly of any implicated Indian government officials.
5. India's reaction to the US indictment described it as a "matter of concern" and contrary to the government's policy, indicating the sensitivity of the issue between the two nations.
6. Failing to address the matter appropriately was cautioned as potentially detrimental to the bilateral relationship, which has grown stronger over time, according to the lawmakers' perspective.
7. The statement underscored the positive impact of the US-India partnership on both nations but highlighted concerns that the alleged actions, if unresolved, could severely strain this consequential partnership.
8. US prosecutors unveiled murder-for-hire charges against Nikhil Gupta, accusing him of involvement in a failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American citizen associated with the banned Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice.
9. Gupta, presently incarcerated in Prague, faces potential extradition to the US and a 20-year jail term if found guilty of murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges.
10. Furthermore, the US has implicated an Indian government employee in this plot, withholding the individual's identity at present, which further complicates the sensitive diplomatic situation between the two countries.
(With Agency Inputs)
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