A habeas corpus petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on behalf of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. Gupta, currently held in custody in the Czech Republic, is seeking the intervention of the Indian government for his release.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for January 4 and directed Gupta’s legal representative to provide a copy of the petition to the central government counsel. His lawyer has requested an in-camera proceeding, a request that the court is set to consider during the upcoming hearing.
US federal prosecutors recently charged Nikhil Gupta, alleging his collaboration with an Indian government employee in the failed assassination plot against Pannun, an American and Canadian citizen. The indictment also implicates an unnamed Indian official, alleging involvement in hiring someone in the US to carry out the assassination.
The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Justice has confirmed Gupta’s arrest and provisional custody, indicating that the action was taken at the request of the US. The charges against Gupta include conspiracy to commit murder for hire, as detailed by US authorities.
India has expressed concern over the US linking an Indian official to the alleged plot and has initiated an inquiry to investigate these allegations. A probe team has been constituted, and the findings will determine subsequent actions.
During his recent visit to India, US principal deputy NSA Jonathan Finer emphasized the importance of holding accountable those found responsible in the investigation. The White House acknowledged India’s establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate the “lethal plotting” and underscored the need for accountability.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about international implications and the diplomatic challenges surrounding the alleged conspiracy.
