Indian inquiry team heads to the US on Oct 15 to investigate foiled Pannun assassination plot

India is sending an inquiry committee to Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2024, to investigate American allegations regarding the involvement of an Indian government official in a "foiled plot" to assassinate separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The US State Department confirmed this development, stating, "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."

"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.

Focus of the Inquiry Committee

The inquiry committee aims to review the charges against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national who was charged by US federal prosecutors for his alleged role in the assassination plot. Gupta is accused of coordinating with an unnamed Indian government employee to pay an assassin $100,000 to kill Pannun, who is currently living in New York City. The US State Department described the nature of the inquiry, emphasizing that India is actively investigating the activities of organized criminals, including the individual identified in the Department of Justice's indictment.

What happened in Nikhil Gupta's Case

Nikhil Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic at the request of the US government in June 2023. Following his arrest, he was extradited to the United States on June 14, 2023. Gupta's indictment alleges that he conspired with the Indian government official in a failed attempt to assassinate Pannun, a leader of the Khalistani separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which India has labeled as a terrorist organization.

Ongoing Investigations and International Cooperation

The inquiry committee is expected to discuss the current status of the investigation with US authorities and share any relevant information gathered during their investigation. The US State Department also noted, "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."

While India has denied the allegations of involvement by a government official, the establishment of this inquiry committee signifies the country's commitment to transparency and collaboration in addressing the serious nature of these accusations. By sending this committee to Washington, India aims to clarify its position on the matter and strengthen its diplomatic ties with the United States in the context of security and counter-terrorism efforts.