Sikh separatist chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Archive | Photograph credit score: AP
Because the diplomatic row between India and Canada intensified on Monday (Oct 14, 2024) over the dying of a pro-Khalistan determine and a Canadian citizen in British Columbia final yr, the US State Division introduced that An Indian investigation staff would journey to Washington DC on October 15 to research a plot to kill a US citizen in New York.
The U.S. Division of Justice introduced costs in November 2023 alleging that an Indian authorities worker led a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist designated as a terrorist by the Indian authorities in 2020. Pannun heads Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a gaggle that advocates for a separate homeland for Sikhs or Khalistan.
“The Investigative Committee will journey to Washington, DC on October 15, as a part of their ongoing investigations to debate the case, together with info they’ve obtained, and to obtain an replace from US authorities on the US case shifting ahead. “stated the assertion. Mentioned the Workplace of the Spokesperson of the US State Division.
An Indian nationwide, Nikhil Gupta, was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic in June 2024 and is now detained in Brooklyn. Federal prosecutors had alleged that Gupta employed a hitman to kill Pannun and paid him for the job. The Indian authorities had launched an investigation into the allegations in November final yr.
Additionally learn | US blames Indian official for ‘plot’ towards Khalistani separatist
“As well as, India has knowledgeable the US that they’re persevering with their efforts to research the previous authorities worker’s different ties and can decide follow-up actions as obligatory,” the spokesperson’s workplace stated.
Individually, a US district court docket had final month summoned nationwide safety advisor Ajit Doval, former Analysis and Evaluation Wing (RAW) chief Samant Goel and others in reference to a criticism filed by Mr .Pannun. International Minister Vikram Misri had stated the case was based mostly on “unjustified and baseless allegations.”
Revealed – October 15, 2024 12:46 am IST