India has responded for the first time since US federal prosecutors accused an Indian intelligence official of allegedly planning and directing a plot from India to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. The Indian government has described the accusations as a “matter of concern” and emphasized that they are “contrary to Indian government’s policy.”
Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the matter during a press briefing on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Dubai for the COP-28 summit. Bagchi stated, “As regards the case against an individual filed in the US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern…this is also contrary to government policy.” He further highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out the international nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism. Bagchi revealed that a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter, and India will be guided by its findings.
The allegations surrounding the assassination plot involve not only an Indian intelligence official but also another Indian citizen, along with two individuals who were initially believed to be part of the conspiracy but were later revealed to be undercover US officers. These revelations were brought to light in an indictment filed by the US Department of Justice in a federal court in Manhattan.
The Indian official, identified as CC-1 in the indictment, is described as an employee of an Indian government agency. He holds the position of a “Senior Field Officer” and has responsibilities related to “Security Management” and “Intelligence.” The indictment also notes his prior service in India’s Central Reserve Police Force, along with training in “battle craft” and “weapons.”
In connection with the alleged plot, CC-1 worked alongside a 52-year-old Indian citizen named Nikhil Gupta, also known as Nick. Gupta was arrested by Czech authorities on June 30 of the current year and is facing charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. These charges carry a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.
Moreover, the case has raised serious concerns on an international level, with implications for law enforcement agencies and organizations worldwide
