"Matter Of Concern... Contrary To Government Policy": MEA On US Charging Indian Of Plotting To Kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

In response to the US indictment of an Indian national implicated in a murder conspiracy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern on Thursday (30 November), emphasising that such actions contradict government policy.

According to Hindustan Times, MEA spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, reiterated that during bilateral security discussions with the US, information was shared regarding the connection between organised crime, arms dealers, and terrorists.

Bagchi stressed that they take these inputs very seriously and a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate every aspect of the case. The committee's findings will prompt necessary follow-up actions. However, Bagchi maintained that they cannot disclose any additional details about such sensitive security issues.

"As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate this is also contrary to government policy," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that the connection between international organised crime, trafficking, gunrunning, and extremism poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies and organizations.

Regarding the issue with Canada, the MEA expressed its concern that Canada has continually harbored anti-India extremists, which is the crux of the problem. "Our diplomats in Canada have suffered the most from this situation. Hence, we anticipate that the Canadian government will fulfill its responsibilities as per the Vienna Convention," said the spokesperson.

On Wednesday, an Indian citizen was charged by US federal prosecutors for his involvement in a thwarted alleged assassination attempt of a Sikh separatist in the United States.

The indictment didn't disclose the names of the Sikh leader, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, or the Indian government official who allegedly collaborated with the accused, Nikhil Gupta.

The document stated that 52-year-old Gupta conspired with the Indian official to contract a hitman with the intent to murder Pannun. It was also claimed in the indictment that Gupta had agreed to compensate the hired assassin with USD 1.00,000 for the killing of the Sikh leader.