Biden Administration Briefs Indian American Lawmakers On Nikhil Gupta
WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) – Indian American Congressional representatives were briefed by the US on the indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, allegedly involved in a foiled bid to kill a Sikh separatist leader in the US.
Releasing a statement, the five lawmakers — Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna — appreciated the administration’s move in providing them a classified briefing on Gupta’s indictment.
“We appreciate the Administration providing us a classified briefing on the Department of Justice’s indictment of Nikhil Gupta, which alleges that an Indian government official engaged in a murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen,” they said in the statement.
“As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning.”
The lawmakers also welcomed India’s efforts in announcing a Committee of Enquiry to fully investigate the murder plot.
“…it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again,” they said.
The lawmakers further said that failing to address the matter ‘appropriately’ is likely to cause a dent in the bilateral relations that have strengthened over the years.
“We believe the US-India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” the statement said.
US prosecutors have announced murder-for-hire charges against 52-year-old Gupta for involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun allegedly on behalf of an Indian government employee.
New York-based Pannun, who was not named in the indictment, is a designated terrorist in India and the legal counsel of the banned Khalistan group, Sikhs for Justice.
Gupta, incarcerated in a prison in Prague, was arrested by Czech authorities on June 30 in response to a request by the US under an extradition treaty.
He faces a 20-year jail term if convicted of murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges.
The US has also accused an Indian government employee, whose identity has been withheld at this time.
Pradeep Srivastava
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““We believe the US-India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” the statement said.”
The above excerpt from the article is part of a statement, the five lawmakers — Ami Bera, Shri Thanedar, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna have made in the context of the issue of the Nikhil Gupta indictment. I share their concern and do worry about the issue not being properly addressed, especially, in light of the upcoming general elections in India, which are expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect the members of the 18th Lok Sabha. Sometimes investigations keep going on for an indefinite period of time for reasons of politics. I hope that won’t be the case.
December 18, 2023Anil
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Who cares!
December 18, 2023What if the Indian Govt. starts an investigation on CIA operations in India and the killings of India’s top leaders. PM Shastri, Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai to name a few.
Anil
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The question to ask is why the US Govt. gave citizenship to a known Indian criminal absconding from the law. What did he do for the US Govt. to get citizenship.
December 18, 2023Gaurang Desai
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This statement “As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning.”
Should read as follows:
December 18, 2023“As members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our terrorists is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning.”
Daljit (Dean)Singh
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I believe the Biden Administration took the right step forward in briefing the Indo-American caucus in the House of Representatives. They are the first in line for assessing all political development and policy formulation between India and the U.S. There is no need to beat around the bush or sugar coat the pill anymore. Let the Indian government know in no uncertain terms that all persons in the United States must obey the U.S Constitution and all laws of the land, and they are accountable for their action; otherwise, they are required to face the court of justice for any relief.
December 18, 2023Shekhar Tiwari
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The five Indian American Congressmen have done a great service to both India and Indian Americans. We must make sure they win next term and others join them.
December 19, 2023