The Allegations:
The Financial Times reported that US authorities thwarted a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. These claims echo recent allegations made by the Canadian Pappu, Trudeau, asserting that India is systematically targeting Khalistani leaders abroad.
Pannun is described as an American and Canadian citizen and the “general counsel” for Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). It is a banned Khalistani terror outfit. Pannun was the target of the alleged assassination plot.
SFJ has been accused of promoting armed secessionist movements and engaging in communal activities against both Hindus and Sikhs opposed to the Khalistani secessionist movement.
The Financial Times suggests that the US shared information about the purported assassination plot with its allies. It follows the killing of another Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada’s Vancouver in June. Prime Minister Trudeau later made public allegations of “credible evidence” linking Nijjar’s killing to “agents of the government of India.” India vehemently denied these claims, and Canada has yet to provide conclusive evidence supporting its accusations.
Twisting Of Tale:
In a significant twist, the report implies that the US federal prosecutors filed a sealed indictment against at least one person involved in the alleged assassination plot in a New York district court. The US Justice Department is reportedly considering whether to make the indictment public or wait until Canada concludes its investigation into Nijjar’s killing. Unnamed officials believe the accused individual has left the US.
Despite the gravity of these claims, both the US Justice Department and the FBI have refrained from validating the allegations. The National Security Council has stated that the US does not comment on ongoing law enforcement matters or private diplomatic discussions.
President Joe Biden reportedly discussed the Canadian allegations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in September. Details about any discussion regarding the Pannun case remain undisclosed.
Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun declined to comment on whether US authorities had warned him about the alleged assassination plot against him. Pannun has a history of issuing violent threats, including a recent one where he warned Sikhs not to fly on Air India. He “claimed” it was not a violent threat against the airline.
International Connections:
Nikhil Gupta is described as an associate of CC-1, with purported involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking. The detailed indictment includes a photograph allegedly showing a monetary exchange between two unidentified individuals. The Justice Department claims that Gupta, at the direction of CC-1, contacted an individual he believed to be a criminal associate. He was a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Foiled Plot and Law Enforcement:
The DEA played a crucial role in thwarting the assassination plot. Gupta, under the direction of CC-1, contacted a supposed hitman. He turned out to be an undercover DEA officer. The undercover agent was offered USD 100,000 to carry out the murder. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen commended the law enforcement agents for exposing a dangerous plot. He asserted the Department of Justice’s commitment to pursuing accountability for such international conspiracies.
International Ramifications:
The indictment has broader implications, revealing a nexus between organized criminals, gun runners, and terrorists. The US government shared information on this nexus, leading India to form a high-level inquiry committee to address security concerns. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India takes such inputs seriously. They impinge on national security interests.
India’s Response:
The MEA acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and stated that relevant departments were examining the issue. The Government of India constituted a high-level inquiry committee to investigate all aspects of the case.