US Urges India for Progress on Investigation into Alleged Murder Plot Involving Indian Citizen

The US has been asking India for updates on the investigation into an alleged plot involving Indian national Nikhil Gupta and targeting Pannun, a US-Canadian citizen wanted in India for terror charges.

Senior US officials Kurt Campbell and Jake Sullivan brought up the issue during their recent visit to India, highlighting the need for accountability and regular updates. Campbell said that India has been responsive and that the matter has been discussed at the highest levels.

The plot came to light in November of the previous year when US federal prosecutors charged Gupta with collaborating with an Indian government employee to arrange a murder-for-hire targeting Pannun in New York.

Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June and extradited to the US in mid-June. Following these developments, India appointed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the allegations based on the information provided by the US.

Gupta is accused of hiring a hitman and paying $15,000 in advance to carry out the plot. The US has shared details of an Indian official’s involvement in the case with the Indian government, leading to the formation of the inquiry committee. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, India has denied any official involvement and has launched its own investigation into the matter.

Gupta, through his attorney Rohini Musa, has denied the charges, claiming he has been unfairly targeted. Musa has filed a petition in the Indian Supreme Court, arguing that there is no substantial evidence linking Gupta to the alleged plot. The case has attracted significant attention, given its international implications and the involvement of high-level government officials.

The ongoing investigations by both the US and Indian authorities underscore the complexity and sensitivity of the case.

The US continues to seek accountability and transparent updates from India, reflecting the seriousness with which it views the allegations and its commitment to addressing potential threats to its citizens. Meanwhile, India’s inquiry aims to thoroughly examine the claims and ensure that justice is served while maintaining its stance of non-involvement in the plot.