US and India Collaborate on Investigation of Alleged Assassination Plot
Washington, DC [US], October 23: The United States and India have engaged in valuable discussions regarding the alleged foiled assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted the exchange of information between the two governments to advance their respective investigations.
Ongoing Investigations
During a media briefing, Patel emphasized the importance of accountability and the expectation of further steps from India’s inquiry committee. The US remains committed to seeing meaningful accountability from the investigation.
Details of the Alleged Plot
The Indian inquiry committee visited the US to investigate the involvement of former Indian government officials in the plot. Pannun, an India-designated terrorist, holds American and Canadian citizenship. The US Justice Department previously unsealed an indictment against Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who was extradited from the Czech Republic and pleaded ‘not guilty’ to charges related to the plot.
On October 17, charges were filed against former Indian government employee Vikash Yadav for his alleged role in directing the plot. Yadav remains at large, while Gupta was previously charged and extradited to the US.
Official Statements
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the individual named in the US indictment is no longer employed by the Indian government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed this during a press conference.
Doubts Revealed
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun -: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a person who is known for supporting the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate country for Sikhs. He is considered a terrorist by some countries, including India.
Khalistani -: Khalistani refers to the supporters of the Khalistan movement, which aims to establish a separate nation for Sikhs in the Punjab region of India.
US Principal Deputy Spokesperson -: The US Principal Deputy Spokesperson is a person who speaks on behalf of the US government, especially in matters related to foreign affairs. In this context, Vedant Patel is the person holding this position.
Extradited -: Extradited means sending someone back to the country where they are accused of a crime. In this case, Nikhil Gupta was sent from the Czech Republic to face charges in another country.
Not guilty -: When someone pleads ‘not guilty’, it means they are saying they did not commit the crime they are accused of. Nikhil Gupta has said he is not guilty of the charges against him.
At large -: When someone is ‘at large’, it means they have not been caught by the police and are still free. Vikash Yadav is currently not in custody and is considered ‘at large’.
