India Forms Panel To Probe Allegations Of Plot To Kill Sikh Extremist Pannun In US

India has formed a panel to probe the allegations of hatching a plot to eliminate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

Last week, The Financial Times, citing unnamed sources, said in a report that the United States foiled a plot on American soil to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and warned the Indian government expressing concerns about its alleged involvement in the conspiracy.

Responding to the report, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Wednesday that India constituted a high-level inquiry committee on November 18 to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter.

"We have already said that during the course of discussions with the US on bilateral security cooperation, the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others," PTI quoted Bagchi as saying in a media briefing.

"We had also indicated that India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on our national security interests as well, and relevant departments were already examining the issue," he said.

"In this context, it is informed that on November 18, the Government of India constituted a high-level Enquiry Committee to look into all the relevant aspects of the matter," he added.

Bagchi said India will take necessary follow-up action based on the findings of the committee.

Pannun is a self-proclaimed general counsel of the outlawed "unlawful association" Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) which has been aiming to revive the Khalistani movement in India.

The Financial Times reported that individuals familiar with the case did not specify whether the protest in New Delhi prompted the plotters to abandon their plan or if the FBI intervened to thwart a scheme already in motion.

The report came at a time when India and Canada's relationship have taken a blow after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made an explosive statement in September accusing an Indian government agency of killing Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

However, Bagchi on November 22 said the US side shared some inputs pertaining to nexus between organised criminals, gun runners, terrorists and others. He said the inputs are a "cause of concern" for both countries and they decided to take necessary follow up action.