Indian-American members of the US
Congress termed indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta over plotting to
kill separatist terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as “deeply concerning” and warned
of “significant damage” in Bharat-US relations if not addressed aptly.
Five Indian-American lawmakers – Ami
Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar – in a
joint statement said, “The allegations made in the indictment are deeply
concerning.”
The statement was issued after the Joe Biden
administration held a classified briefing on the Department of Justice’s
indictment of Nikhil Gupta in the alleged assassination plot of Pannun.
“We believe US-Bharat partnership has
made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people. But, we are
concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not
appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential
partnership,” cautioned the lawmakers.
The US Representatives continued, “It is
critical that Bharat fully investigate, hold those responsible, including
Indian government officials, accountable and provide assurances that this will
not happen again.”
They welcomed the Indian Government’s
announcement of a high-level committee to probe the failed plot to kill Pannun,
who is an American citizen.
“As members of Congress, the safety and
well-being of our constituents are our most important priority,” the lawmakers
said in the statement.
On November 29, Nikhil Gupta was charged
by federal prosecutors in US over the case.
As per prosecutors, he had consented to
pay $100,000 to an assassin to carry out the killing, with an advance payment
of $15,000.
However, the person he contacted for the
hitman turned out to be a confidential source working with US law enforcement.
Nilhil Gupta was taken to custody in the
Czech Republic at the request of US on June 30.
NE Watch Desk
