US authorities have unveiled allegations against New Delhi concerning an aborted attempt to assassinate a Sikh separatist, following serious accusations by the Canadian Prime Minister.
The revelation of an international assassination scheme came to light as the US pressed charges against an individual accused of orchestrating the attempted murder of a prominent Sikh critic.
These startling claims from Washington are poised to strain relations between the US and India. US prosecutors have identified the intended target as a vocal critic of the Modi-led government and a proponent of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland distinct from India.
The alleged mastermind, identified as Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, purportedly devised a plan to eliminate a Sikh leader within the United States. Gupta was apprehended earlier this year in the Czech Republic and faces charges related to the conspiracy to assassinate a US citizen of Indian origin.
Reports suggest that a representative acting on behalf of the Indian government allegedly hired a hitman for a sum of $100,000 in cash to eliminate the Sikh leader. However, the hitman turned out to be an undercover federal agent.
In response to these shocking developments, the White House has expressed “surprise and concern” over the attempted murder of a US citizen. Officials indicated plans to raise the issue at the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile, the Indian government, confronted with embarrassment, has announced an investigation into the matter. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to address the security implications arising from the alleged assassination plot.
