Our Bureau
Washington
Congress members Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri Thanedar released a joint statement after receiving a classified briefing from the Biden Administration on Gupta’s indictment
The Biden Administration officials briefed the five Indian-American lawmakers on the indictment of Nikhil Gupta. 52 year old Gupta, was charged by federal prosecutors in the US in connection with his alleged participation in a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen, on American soil.
“As Members of Congress, the safety and well-being of our constituents is our most important priority. The allegations made in the indictment are deeply concerning,” the statement said. “We welcome the Government of India’s announcement of a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot, and it is critical that India fully investigate, hold those responsible, including Indian government officials, accountable, and provide assurances that this will not happen again,” it said.
“We believe the US–India partnership has made a meaningful impact on the lives of both of our people, but we are concerned that the actions outlined in the indictment could, if not appropriately addressed, cause significant damage to this very consequential partnership,” the five Indian American congressmen said.
The lawmakers said they appreciated the administration providing a classified briefing on the Department of Justice’s indictment of Gupta. India has already constituted a high-level probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Pannun.
Meanwhile, Pro-Khalistan group Sikh for Justice (SFJ) welcomed the briefing by the US administration. “It is reassuring that the US Congress is steadfast in its fundamental constitutional duty to protect the life and liberty and freedom of expression of the US citizens at home and abroad. This is the bedrock of American Democracy,” Pannun, General Counsel of SFJ, said.
