Nikhil Gupta's Lawyer Respond To Khalistan Terrorist Pannun's Muder Plotting Charges: 'Will Pursue Defence...'

nikhil gupta's lawyer respond to khalistan terrorist gurpatwant singh pannun's muder plotting charges: 'will pursue defence...'

As Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national suspected by US of being involved in a plot to kill pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the US, is produced in court Monday, his lawyer Jeffery Chabrowe said they will pursue his defence "vigorously" and "regardless of 'outside pressures.'"

"We will pursue his (Gupta's) defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures," Chabrowe told India-based news agency ANI. "This is a complex matter for both our countries. It is extremely important that we refrain from rushing to conclusions so early in the process."

"Background and details (of the case) will develop that may cast government allegations into an entirely new light," he added.

The US Justice Department (DOJ) has alleged that Gupta is an associate of the Indian government and that together they and others helped plot the assassination of Pannun in New York City. India has dissociated itself from having any connection to the plot to murder Pannun.

However, the DOJ alleged that an Indian government employee, whose identity is unknown and has been named CC-1 in the case, gave directions to Gupta to plot the assassination of Pannun.

Gupta, under CC-1’s direction, contacted a confidential source working with the DEA to contract a hitman for the murder. The hitman, an undercover DEA officer, later agreed to be paid $100,000 by CC-1 in a deal allegedly brokered by Gupta.

Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US on June 14, 2024. The extradition was carried out at Prague-Ruzyně Airport and was authorized by the Minister of Justice of the Czech Republic on June 3.

Here's a video of the moment he was put on the plane for the extradition:

Gurpatwant Singh Pannu is the legal advisor and spokesperson for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), an organization that aims to promote the idea of a separate Sikh state. As of July 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs of India has declared Pannun a terrorist on the grounds of sedition and secessionism and has requested an Interpol red notice for him.

(With inputs from ANI)