Bharat-American members of the US Congress termed indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta over plotting to kill separatist terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun as “deeply concerning” and warned of “significant damage” in Bharat-US relations if not addressed aptly.
Five Bharat-American lawmakers – Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar – in a joint statement said, “The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning.”
The statement was issued after the Joe Biden administration held a classified briefing on the Department of Justice’s indictment of Nikhil Gupta in the alleged assassination plot of Pannun.
“We believe US-Bharat partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people. But, we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” cautioned the lawmakers.
The US Representatives continued, “It is critical that Bharat fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Bharat government officials, accountable and provide assurances that this will not happen again.”
They welcomed the Bharat Government’s announcement of a high-level committee to probe the failed plot to kill Pannun, who is an American citizen.
“As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents are our most important priority,” the lawmakers said in the statement.
On November 29, Nikhil Gupta was charged by federal prosecutors in US over the case.
As per prosecutors, he had consented to pay $100,000 to an assassin to carry out the killing, with an advance payment of $15,000.
However, the person he contacted for the hitman turned out to be a confidential source working with US law enforcement.
Nikhil Gupta was taken to custody in the Czech Republic at the request of US on June 30.
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