
The U.S. Justice Department has unveiled charges against an Indian national accused of participating in a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by an Indian government employee on American soil. The alleged target was an American citizen and leader in the Sikh separatist movement, identified in statements by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel for Sikhs for Justice. While U.S. law enforcement successfully foiled the plot, the revelation raises concerns about India's actions abroad and potential implications for its relationship with Washington.
The indictment, unsealed in federal court in Manhattan, charges 52-year-old Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national with a history of involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking. Gupta faces one count of murder for hire and one count of murder-for-hire conspiracy. He was apprehended in June in the Czech Republic at the U.S.'s request and awaits extradition while in Czech custody.
Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that the Biden administration has engaged in direct conversations with the Indian government, expressing concern. The administration aims to cooperate with India's internal investigation by providing relevant information. CIA Director Bill Burns and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan have discussed the alleged plot with their Indian counterparts, emphasizing accountability for those responsible. President Biden raised the matter directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Group of 20 summit.
The allegations come in the wake of Canada accusing Indian government agents of murdering a Sikh community leader in British Columbia, adding another layer of complexity to India's actions abroad. While the Indian government has yet to comment on the indictment and its allegations, the situation underscores the intricate diplomatic challenges facing the U.S. and India as they navigate the aftermath of the foiled plot and its potential impact on bilateral relations.**
In response to the U.S. Justice Department's charges against Indian national Nikhil Gupta for his alleged role in a murder-for-hire plot, India's Ministry of External Affairs released a statement addressing the matter. The statement acknowledged the U.S. sharing inputs on the nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, terrorists, and others. It emphasized India's commitment to national security and revealed the initiation of a "high-level enquiry" to thoroughly examine the issue.
While Gupta is the sole individual charged in the case, the indictment suggests the plot was directed by an Indian government employee identified as CC-1. Described as a "Senior Field Officer" with intelligence responsibilities, CC-1 recruited Gupta in May 2023 to carry out the plot. The Indian government employee allegedly promised to secure the dismissal of a criminal case against Gupta in India in exchange for his involvement in the murder-for-hire scheme.
According to court papers, Gupta, unaware that his contact was a confidential source for American law enforcement, sought to arrange a hitman in the U.S. to execute the murder. Believing he was dealing with a legitimate hitman, Gupta agreed to pay $100,000 for the murder and arranged a $15,000 cash down payment. The Indian government employee provided details about the intended target, including home address, phone numbers, and daily routine. Gupta instructed the purported hitman to carry out the murder promptly but avoided coinciding with high-level meetings between U.S. and Indian officials.
The indictment highlights the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada, on June 18, as a significant development. Nijjar, an associate of Gupta's intended target, was killed just hours after the Indian government employee allegedly sent Gupta a video clip of the murder and details about the intended victim's address in New York City. Gupta was subsequently arrested by Czech authorities less than two weeks later.
This intricate web of allegations and responses adds another layer of complexity to the evolving diplomatic landscape between the U.S. and India, prompting further scrutiny of India's actions abroad and its potential implications on bilateral relations.**
The unfolding saga involving the alleged assassination plot, orchestrated by an Indian government employee and resulting in charges against Nikhil Gupta, presents a multifaceted diplomatic challenge. India's measured response, acknowledging U.S. inputs and initiating a high-level inquiry, underscores the gravity of the situation. The intricate details of the plot, with Gupta unwittingly involving a confidential source for American law enforcement, reveal the complexity of international intelligence operations.
The shadow of Hardeep Singh Nijjar's murder in Canada, connected to Gupta's intended target, further complicates the narrative. The timing of events and the subsequent exchange of information between the Indian government employee and Gupta add layers of intrigue to an already intricate plot.
As the diplomatic discourse unfolds, the case raises questions about the extent of India's actions abroad, potential consequences for bilateral relations, and the delicate dance between national security and international cooperation. The coming days may bring further revelations, shaping the narrative and influencing diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and India. The intricacies of this case serve as a reminder of the challenges in navigating the nuanced landscape of global intelligence and diplomacy.