Indian probe crew in Pannun assassination plot to journey to Washington on Oct 15: U.S.

Sikh separatist chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. File
| Photograph Credit score: AP

Because the diplomatic row between India and Canada escalated on Monday (October 14, 2024) over the demise over pro-Khalistan determine and Canadian citizen in British Columbia final yr, the U.S. State Division introduced that an Indian investigation crew would journey to Washington DC on October 15 to analyze a plot to kill a U.S. Citizen in New York.

The U.S. Division of Justice introduced fees in November 2023 alleging that an Indian authorities worker directed a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist designated as a terrorist by the Indian authorities in 2020. Pannun heads Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a gaggle that advocates for a separate homeland for Sikhs or Khalistan.

“The Enquiry Committee can be touring to Washington, D.C. on October 15, as a part of their ongoing investigations to debate the case, together with info they’ve obtained, and to obtain an replace from U.S. authorities relating to the U.S. case that’s continuing,” the Workplace of the Spokesperson on the U.S. State Division mentioned.

An Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, was extradited to the U.S. from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and is now in detention in Brooklyn. Federal prosecutors had alleged that Mr. Gupta employed a hitman to kill Pannun and paid him for the job. The Indian authorities had arrange an inquiry into the allegations in November final yr.

Additionally learn | U.S. blames Indian official for ‘plot’ towards Khalistani separatist

“Moreover, India has knowledgeable the USA they’re persevering with their efforts to analyze different linkages of the previous authorities worker and can decide observe up steps, as mandatory,” the spokesperson’s workplace mentioned.

Individually, a U.S. District Courtroom had summoned Nationwide Safety Adviser Ajit Doval, former Analysis and Evaluation Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel and others final month in reference to a grievance lodged by Mr. Pannun. Overseas Secretary Vikram Misri had mentioned the case was support the case was based mostly on “unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations”.