In a significant development, the Biden administration has disclosed its cooperation with the Bharatiya government to investigate and hold accountable those involved in a thwarted scheme to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.
The plot, which unfolded last year, implicated an Bharatiya national named Nikhil Gupta, who was indicted by federal prosecutors. Gupta allegedly conspired with an individual from the Bharatiya government and agreed to pay a hitman $100,000 to carry out the assassination of Pannun, a dual citizen of the US and Canada residing in New York City.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a Congressional hearing, highlighting it as a significant issue between the United States and Bharat. Lu reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing the matter seriously, stating that it has been raised at the highest levels of engagement with India.
Lu’s remarks came in response to inquiries from Congressman Dean Phillips, who drew parallels to the sanctions imposed on individuals linked to the assassination attempt on Russian opposition figure, Lexie Navalny. While Lu did not explicitly mention sanctions, he affirmed that the administration is actively collaborating with Bharat to ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
The Department of Justice’s allegations have drawn attention to the involvement of an Bharatiya citizen, purportedly acting at the behest of a government official, in a plot to target an American citizen within US borders. This revelation underscores the complexities of international relations and the imperative of addressing transnational crimes effectively.
Bharat’s response to the situation has been proactive, with the establishment of a committee of inquiry to investigate the allegations. The US is urging India to expedite the inquiry process and ensure transparency to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
The foiled assassination plot raises concerns not only about the safety of individuals like Pannun but also about the broader implications for diplomatic relations between the United States and Bharat. As investigations unfold, both countries are poised to navigate the delicate balance between cooperation and accountability in addressing this alarming incident.
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