Czech Republic Police Release Visuals of Nikhil Gupta Extradition to US in Pannun Murder Plot Case

The Czech Republic Police have released the first visuals of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, being extradited to the United States. Gupta, 52, was extradited from the Czech Republic on Friday, June 14, following his arrest in Prague a year ago.

The video footage, shared by the Czech Republic Police on social media platform X, shows Gupta, with his face blurred, being escorted onto a plane. Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek confirmed Gupta's extradition, stating, "On the basis of my decision on (June 3), Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, who is suspected of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire with intent to cause death, was extradited to the US on Friday (June 14) for criminal prosecution." 

Why it Matters : The extradition of Nikhil Gupta marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which has heightened diplomatic tensions between India and the United States. The case has also raised concerns about the involvement of Indian government officials in the alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a vocal critic of the Indian government.

Gupta was detained at Prague airport on June 30, 2023, under extradition orders issued by the US Justice Department. The US Justice Department alleges that Gupta targeted Pannun, "a vocal critic of the Indian government who leads a US-based organization advocating for the secession of Punjab."

On Monday, Gupta pleaded not guilty to the charges at a federal court in New York. His attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, stated that his client was produced before a federal court in New York, where he pleaded not guilty. 

Key Takeaway :

• Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic over a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
• Czech Republic Police released visuals of Gupta being escorted onto a plane for extradition.
• Gupta pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal court in New York.
• The case has increased diplomatic tensions, with India denying involvement in the alleged plot.
• The extradition is a significant development, raising concerns about possible involvement of Indian government officials.