Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Murder Plot news: Nikhil Gupta pleads 'not guilty'

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Murder Plot news: Nikhil Gupta pleads 'not guilty'

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Murder Plot news: On June 14, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national also referred to as 'Nick,' was transferred from the Czech Republic to the United States under extradition. He had been arrested in June 2023 at the behest of the US government. This move highlights the US's dedication to protecting its citizens, as stated by Attorney General Merrick Garland on Monday.

 

"This extradition unequivocally demonstrates the Justice Department's stance against any attempts to threaten or endanger American citizens," Garland declared. He further remarked, "Gupta will now be prosecuted in a US court for his purported role in a plot orchestrated by an Indian government official aimed at targeting and killing a US citizen for their backing of the Sikh separatist cause in India."

 

Gupta, aged 53, appeared in a federal court in New York, where he has filed a plea of being 'not guilty,' as reported by his lawyer, Jeff Chabrowe.

 

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco characterized the purported murder-for-hire plot as a 'bold attempt to silence a political activist exercising their freedom of speech.' She emphasized that the extradition of the defendant marks a significant stride toward achieving justice.

 

FBI Director Christopher Wray underscored that the agency "will not permit efforts by foreign nationals or any others to suppress constitutionally-protected freedoms in the United States."

 

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual American-Canadian citizenship, is the founder and leader of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a US-based pro-Khalistan organization. In July 2020, India's Ministry of Home Affairs designated him as an 'individual terrorist' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).