- By Abhirupa Kundu
- Sat, 16 Dec 2023 10:27 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The alleged plot to kill Khalistani terrorist and American-Canadian citizen Gupatwant Singh Pannun by an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta has created an uproar in India and the United States, with lawmakers of both countries worrying about the probable damage that it could cause to India-US ties if not addressed properly. Indian-American lawmakers expressing deep concern alerted that the issue could strain India-US ties, following a classified briefing by the Biden administration over Nikhil Gupta's indictment.
This comes after the Supreme Court on Friday deferred the hearing for January 4, 2024, on a habeas corpus plea moved by a family member of Gupta, who has been accused of plotting an assassination attempt on Sikh separatist Pannun on American soil.
Gupta who is currently lodged in a jail in the Czech Republic has been charged with murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Czech authorities arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, pursuant to the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic.
He has alleged grave human rights violations in solitary confinement, including being forced to consume beef and pork. He has also alleged that he was denied consular access, the right to contact his family in India and the freedom to seek legal representation.
Earlier, Indian American members of Congress - Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar and Raja Krishnamoorthi called the allegations made in the indictment of Nikhil Gupta in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen "deeply concerning."
In the press release, the US Representatives said, "We appreciate the Administration providing us a classified briefing on the Department of Justice's indictment of Nikhil Gupta, which alleges that an Indian government official engaged in a murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen."
The purported hitman was offered USD 100,000 to murder the Separatist leader, the Justice Department claimed. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. be guided by its results, according to the statement.