Suspect in accused Sikh separatist assassination plot transferred to American authorities from India.
Nikhil Gupta has been charged by American federal authorities with conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. resident who advocates for a self-governed Sikh nation in northern India.
Gupta flew to Prague from India in June and was detained by Czech law enforcement. A Czech court denied Gupta's appeal to avoid being sent to the U.S., paving the way for the Czech justice minister to send him to the United States.
An inmate search by name on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website revealed on Sunday that Gupta, 52, is being kept at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, a federal detainment center. A source, who chose to remain anonymous, also confirmed Gupta’s extradition and his current detention in Brooklyn.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice declined to comment. Gupta's American lawyer, attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe, had no immediate response. No comment was available from Czech authorities either.
The revelation of assassination plans against Sikh nationalists in the U.S. and Canada has strained relations with India, seen by Western nations as a counterweight to China's growing global influence. India's government denies any involvement in the plots.
Canada stated in September that its intelligence agencies were investigating links between India's government and the murder of Sikh nationalist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June 2023.
In November, American authorities alleged that an Indian government official directed the assassination attempt on Pannun, who is a resident of both the U.S. and Canada. Gupta is accused of involvement in that conspiracy.
Pannun told Reuters on Sunday that while Gupta's extradition is a positive development, "Gupta is just a hired gun." Pannun claimed that those who hired Gupta were senior members of the Indian government who act under the orders of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India’s government has distanced itself from the plot against Pannun, stating it goes against government policy. They have promised to formally investigate security concerns raised by Washington.
Over the years, New Delhi has expressed concerns about Sikh nationalist groups outside India, viewing them as security risks. The groups have continued the demand for Khalistan, or an independent Sikh nation within India.
Last month, Washington stated it was content so far with India’s efforts to ensure accountability in the alleged plots, but added that many steps are still required.
