India launches probe into alleged official's role in plot to kill Gurpatwant Pannun, confirms Bagchi
New Delhi, November 30: The Union External Affairs Ministry has expressed concern over allegations of an Indian official's involvement in a plot to kill US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Responding to media inquiries, spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed that a high-level investigation has been initiated by New Delhi into these accusations.
Arindam Bagchi highlighted the seriousness of the situation, emphasising the intricate connections among organised crime, trafficking, arms trade, and extremist activities on an international scale. He underscored the establishment of a special inquiry committee to delve into the matter and stated that the government will abide by its findings.
"As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said that this is also contrary to government policy," Bagchi added.
However, the spokesperson refrained from divulging further details, citing the sensitive nature of security-related issues.
Regarding Canada's recent accusations implicating Indian government agents in the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Bagchi reiterated India's stance, emphasising Canada's allowance of space for anti-India extremists and expressing concerns over interference in internal affairs by Canadian diplomats.
Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, faces 'murder for hire' charges in connection to the alleged plot to kill Pannun. He was apprehended in the Czech Republic under the extradition treaty between the US and the Czech Republic.
Although a statement from the US Department of Justice mentioned an Indian government employee's involvement in the plot alongside Gupta, the individual remains unnamed.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has renewed his call for India's cooperation in addressing the issue, underscoring the need for India's serious consideration of the matter.
This development further strains relations between India and Canada since Trudeau's initial allegations over the killing of Nijjar. Despite India dismissing these allegations as baseless, it has reiterated its willingness to investigate if Canada presents credible evidence to support its claims.
- With inputs from agencies
