The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that the individual named in the US Justice Department’s indictment related to a foiled assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is no longer employed by the Indian government.
“The US State Department informed us that the individual mentioned in the indictment is no longer employed by India. I confirm that he is no longer an employee of the Government of India,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced at a press briefing.
The indictment filed by the US Justice Department alleges that a former Indian government employee, referred to as “CC-1,” enlisted Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, to recruit a hitman to assassinate Pannun in New York. However, US authorities foiled the plot before it could be executed.
Pannun, a pro-Khalistani activist designated as a terrorist by India, holds both American and Canadian citizenship. His involvement with separatist activities has made him a controversial figure targeted by law enforcement in India.
Gupta, who was extradited from the Czech Republic to the US in June, is currently standing trial and has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges. Prosecutors allege that Gupta, in collaboration with the former Indian official and others, plotted to carry out the assassination.
In response to the case, India set up a high-level inquiry committee last November to address security concerns raised by the US. The MEA has reiterated India’s commitment to taking such matters seriously, given their implications for national security.
The US State Department described recent meetings with Indian officials as “productive,” emphasizing continued cooperation between both nations. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed satisfaction with India’s response, particularly the steps taken to ensure accountability.
“They informed us that the individual named in the indictment is no longer employed by the Indian government. We appreciate the cooperation from India, and the investigation remains ongoing. Both sides continue to exchange updates as the case progresses,” Miller said.
(Inputs from ANI)