Failed Plot to Kill Khalistani Terrorist Pannum, Moves Supreme Court

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national who is accused of conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has moved the Supreme Court of India to seek his release from prison in the Czech Republic.

The Plot: How Gupta Tried to Hire a Hitman to Assassinate Pannun

Gupta is accused of trying to hire a hitman, who turned out to be an undercover US federal agent. The plot was allegedly directed by a high-ranking Indian official, whose identity has not been revealed. The official, referred to as “CC-1” in the indictment, is claimed to have masterminded the plot from India.

The plot was initiated in early May 2023, with a series of telephonic and electronic communications between CC-1 and Gupta over encrypted applications⁶. CC-1 asked Gupta to arrange the murder of Pannun in exchange for CC-1’s assistance in securing the dismissal of a criminal case against Gupta in India. Gupta agreed to orchestrate the assassination⁶.

The Arrest: How Gupta Was Caught and Detained in the Czech Republic

Gupta, 52, is currently detained in the Czech Republic while awaiting extradition to the US. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 on a request from the US.

The Supreme Court Intervention: How Gupta’s Family Seeks His Release

The family of Nikhil Gupta has moved the Supreme Court on his behalf, seeking the intervention of the Government of India to release him from prison in the Czech Republic. They have filed a habeas corpus petition in the apex court.

How the Case Affects India-US Relations

The case of Nikhil Gupta is a complex one, involving international jurisdictions and serious allegations. As Gupta’s family seeks legal recourse in India, the world watches closely to see how this international incident unfolds.”