Indian-American Lawmakers Briefed on Gupta Indictment

Five Indian-American lawmakers received a classified briefing from the Biden Administration on the indictment of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian accused of plotting an assassination attempt on American soil. The lawmakers expressed concern over the allegations and called for a thorough investigation by the Indian government.

Washington, Dec 15: The Biden Administration officials on Friday briefed the five Indian-American lawmakers on the indictment of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, who has been accused of plotting an assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist on American soil. The lawmakers, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar, released a joint statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Biden Administration on Gupta's indictment.

Concerns Raised by Lawmakers

The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the allegations made in the indictment, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of their constituents are their utmost priority. They welcomed the Government of India's announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and stressed the critical importance of a thorough investigation, holding those responsible accountable, including Indian government officials, and providing assurances that such incidents will not recur.

Potential Impact on US-India Partnership

The Indian American congressmen expressed their concern that the actions outlined in the indictment, if not appropriately addressed, could cause significant damage to the consequential partnership between the United States and India. They appreciated the administration's classified briefing on the Department of Justice's indictment of Gupta.

Gupta's Charges and Arrest

The 52-year-old Gupta faces charges of murder-for-hire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail. US authorities allege that Gupta agreed to pay an assassin USD 100,000 to kill the Sikh separatist leader living in New York City. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 at the request of the US in connection with his alleged participation in the plot to kill Pannun.

India's Response and SFJ's Reaction

In response to the allegations, India has constituted a high-level probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun. Meanwhile, the pro-Khalistan group Sikh for Justice (SFJ) welcomed the briefing by the US administration. SFJ's General Counsel, Pannun, expressed reassurance in the US Congress's commitment to protecting the life, liberty, and freedom of expression of US citizens at home and abroad, emphasizing that it forms the bedrock of American Democracy.

The briefing of Indian-American lawmakers on the indictment of Nikhil Gupta highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications for the US-India partnership. The lawmakers' concerns underscore the need for a thorough investigation, accountability, and assurances from the Indian government to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.