New York, USA

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of hatching a plan to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, was presented in a federal court in Manhattan on Monday (Jun 17), and pleaded not guilty.

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As per charges framed against him by the US authorities, he acted on the orders of the Indian government.

Gupta's lawyer Jeffrey Chabrowe said he pleaded not guilty in court.

The 52-year-old Indian national was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic on Friday (Jun 14). This came after a Czech Constitutional Court rejected his petition against his extradition to the US.

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Also read: Suspect in plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Pannun extradited to US

India has denied any link to Gupta and has instituted a high-level investigation into the allegations levelled by US authorities.

“This is a complex matter for both our countries," Gupta's attorney Chabrowe was quoted as saying by news agency PTI ahead of his appearance in the court.

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"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," Chabrowe said.

"We will pursue his defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures,” he added.

(With inputs from agencies)