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Indian gov't official directed plot to assassinate Sikh activist: US

 Published: 12:49, 30 November 2023

Indian gov't official directed plot to assassinate Sikh activist: US

The US authorities have unveiled startling revelations accusing an Indian government official of orchestrating a botched assassination plot against a Sikh separatist on American soil. 

They have pressed charges against Nikhil Gupta, a 52-year-old Indian national, alleging his collaboration with an intelligence and security operative from the Indian government in a covert scheme to eliminate a Sikh activist based in New York.
Gupta was apprehended by Czech authorities in June and awaits extradition to the United States.
Damian Williams, the chief federal prosecutor in Manhattan, highlighted, “The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs.”
According to prosecutors, Gupta allegedly schemed to compensate an assassin with $100,000 for carrying out the targeted killing.
These charges surface following statements from a high-ranking member of President Joe Biden's administration, revealing the thwarting of a plot to eliminate a Sikh separatist in the US. This revelation emerges two months after Canadian authorities accused the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of a Sikh activist in Canada, purportedly targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who claims dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
India’s embassy in Washington has yet to issue a statement in response to these charges.
Previously, New Delhi denied involvement in the June murder of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, Canadian authorities have upheld their assertions and responded by recalling numerous diplomats from India.

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