The recent allegations made by US federal prosecutors involving an Indian intelligence official orchestrating a plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York have sparked concerns and reactions from India, prompting statements from the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Indian government’s official response, articulated by Arindam Bagchi, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, categorized the accusations as a “matter of concern” and explicitly stated that such actions are contradictory to the Indian government’s policy. Bagchi emphasized that the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism on an international level is a serious issue that law enforcement agencies and organizations must address. He further highlighted the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, indicating that the government would be guided by its findings.
According to the indictment filed by the US Department of Justice in a federal court in Manhattan, the alleged assassination plot involved an Indian intelligence official, a 52-year-old Indian citizen named Nikhil Gupta (also known as Nick), and two individuals, identified as a source and a hitman, who were actually undercover US officers. The indictment details charges against Nikhil Gupta for murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The unnamed Indian official, referred to as CC-1 in the indictment, is described as an employee of an Indian government agency, identifying himself as a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in “Security Management” and “Intelligence.” The official’s background includes purported service in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and training in “battle craft” and “weapons.”
The gravity of these allegations lies not only in the attempted assassination plot but also in the implications for international relations and the involvement of government officials in such activities. India’s response reflects its commitment to investigating these allegations seriously and taking appropriate actions based on the findings of the inquiry committee.
The situation underscores the complexities of international relations, security, and the challenges governments face in preventing illicit activities involving organized crime and extremism while maintaining diplomatic protocols. The unfolding developments will likely prompt further investigations and diplomatic exchanges between India and the United States to address these serious allegations and their potential implications on bilateral relations.
