On June 17, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy in a federal court in Manhattan.
Nikhil Gupta is accused of plotting to assassinate sikh separatists leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Gupta could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each charge if he gets convicted.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a Khalistani separatist leader holding dual American and Canadian citizenship.
Gupta’s lawyer say “Complex Matter”
As per reports, Gupta's lawyer Jeffrey Chabrowe, said, “This is a complex matter for both our countries.”
He added, “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.”
“We will pursue his defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures,” he said
Acting on directions of Indian Government ?
Federal prosecutors allege that Gupta hired a hitman and paid USD 15,000 in advance to execute the plot against Pannun. They claim that Gupta was acting under the direction of an unnamed Indian government official.
However, New Delhi has denied any involvement and has launched a high-level investigation into the matter. The US has expressed satisfaction with India's steps towards accountability but indicated that further measures are necessary.
Gupta Extradition to US
Nikhil Gupta was extradited to the U.S. from the Czech Republic on Friday. He was arrested in the Czech Republic last year at the request of the U.S. government .
Last month, The Czech Constitutional Court rejected Gupta's petition against his extradition.
Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek said in an X post that Nikhil Gupta was extradited to the US on Friday, June 14, in the Pannun murder plot case. He said, “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.”
Currently, Gupta is detained at the federal Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. He is listed as an inmate there.
(Inputs from Agencies)
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