DELHI: An Indian national, accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh separatist on American soil, has pleaded not guilty in the case at a federal court, days after he was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US.
The 52-year-old Nikhil Gupta, also known as Nick, was arrested in the Czech Republic in June last year at the request of the US government on charges of being involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Pannun holds dual American and Canadian citizenship. Gupta was produced before a federal court in New York on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty, according to his attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe.
The Czech Constitutional Court last month rejected a petition by Gupta against his extradition to the US to face the charges. US prosecutors allege that Gupta hired a hitman to kill Pannun and paid USD 15,000 in advance. They say that Gupta had been working according to the directions of an unnamed Indian government official. Gupta, through his attorney, has denied the charges and said that he has been “unfairly charged”.
India has, however, denied its involvement in such a case and has instituted a high-level investigation into the allegations. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had rejected reports of government involvement, saying it makes “unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations” to claim that Indian agents were involved in the plot to kill Pannun. India has publicly said a high-level inquiry is looking into the evidence shared by the US in the alleged plot to kill Pannun.
On Monday, the Czech Justice Minister confirmed that Gupta was extradited to the US. “On the basis of my decision on (June 3), Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, who is suspected of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire with intent to cause death, was extradited to the US on Friday (June 14) for criminal prosecution,” Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek said in a post on X. Czech authorities have released footage of Gupta’s extradition to the US on June 14, which shows New York Police officials escorting him.
“This is a complex matter for both our countries,” Gupta’s attorney Chabrowe told PTI ahead of his client’s arraignment in a federal court. “It is extremely important that we refrain from rushing to conclusions so early in the process. Background and details will develop that may cast government allegations into an entirely new light,” Chabrowe said. “We will pursue his defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures,” he added
