Indian inquiry team heads to US to probe 'foiled' assassination plot against Khalistani leader Pannun
Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
An inquiry committee from India is set to visit the United States on Tuesday, October 15, to investigate American claims about the involvement of an Indian government official in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil, according to a statement released by the US Department of State on Monday. However, the US State Department later withdrew the statement.
“An Indian Enquiry Committee that was established to investigate activities of certain organized criminals is actively investigating the individual who was identified last year in the Department of Justice’s indictment as an Indian government employee who directed a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen in New York City,” the statement read.
"The Inquiry Committee will be travelling to Washington, D.C. on October 15th, as part of their ongoing investigations to discuss the case, including information they have obtained, and to receive an update from US authorities regarding the US case that is proceeding," it added.
"Additionally, India has informed the United States they are continuing their efforts to investigate other linkages of the former government employee and will determine follow-up steps, as necessary," the US state department added in its statement.
Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was charged by US federal prosecutors in November last year for his alleged role in the failed assassination attempt targeting Pannun. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic last year following a US request.
US prosecutors accused Gupta of collaborating with an Indian government employee and offering $100,000 to hire an assassin to kill Pannun, who resides in New York City.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, labeled a terrorist by India, leads the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Pannun was born in Khankot, a village near Amritsar, and is the son of Mahinder Singh, a former employee of the Punjab State Agricultural Marketing Board.
(With inputs from agencies)
