US Alleging Officials Role In Murder Plot Contrary To Policy, Says India

In response to queries about an alleged conspiracy to assassinate a US-based Sikh separatist, reportedly involving an Indian government official, the Indian External Affairs Ministry expressed concern today. It reiterated that New Delhi has initiated an in-depth investigation into the accusations.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, addressed the media’s questions regarding allegations that an Indian government employee collaborated with Nikhil Gupta and others in a scheme to eliminate Pannun, the leader of the Sikhs for Justice, an organization that is banned in India.

Concerning the case filed in a US court linking an individual to an Indian official, Bagchi remarked, “This is a matter of concern. We have stated that this is also contrary to government policy.”

He further added, “The connection between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organizations to consider. For this reason, a high-level inquiry committee has been established, and we will be guided by its results.”

The MEA spokesperson refrained from providing additional details, citing the sensitivity of security matters.

Regarding Canada’s reiterated allegation that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Bagchi commented, “In so far as Canada is concerned, we have said that they have consistently given space to anti-India extremists and their violence. Our diplomatic representatives in Canada have borne the brunt of this. So we expect the government of Canada to live up to its obligations under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. We have also seen interference by Canadian diplomats in our internal affairs.”

Nikhil Gupta, facing “murder for hire” charges related to the alleged plot against Pannun, was arrested in June in the Czech Republic under the extradition treaty between the US and the Czech Republic.

According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, documents presented in a New York court allege that an Indian government employee collaborated with Gupta and others in planning Pannun’s murder. The statement does not disclose the identity of the government employee.

Parvasi Media Group