Washington. Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting to kill pro-Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, has been extradited to the US by the Czech Republic. Nikhil was produced in a federal court in New York on Monday where he pleaded not guilty.

Pannu has dual citizenship of the US and Canada. 52-year-old Nikhil was arrested by the Czech Republic in Prague last year on the request of the US on charges of plotting to murder him in New York. After this, Nikhil challenged his extradition to the US in court. But last month the Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic rejected Nikhil's petition.

US federal prosecutors had alleged that Nikhil was involved in plotting to kill Pannu on the instructions of an Indian government official. However, India has completely rejected this allegation and has formed a high-level committee to investigate the allegations.

This is a complicated issue for both countries

Nikhil's lawyer in the US, Jeffrey Chabroy, said, "This is a complex case for both countries." He said, "It is extremely important that we avoid jumping to conclusions at this early stage of the process. The background and details will develop that could put the government's allegations in a completely new light. We will vigorously pursue his defense and ensure that he gets a fair chance, regardless of external pressures."

US federal prosecutors have alleged that Nikhil had arranged for an assassin to kill Pannu and paid him $15,000 in advance. Earlier, Czech Republic Justice Minister Pavel Blazek had said that Nikhil was extradited to the US on Friday.

It is known that Nikhil's extradition has taken place before the visit of US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan to India. India has publicly said that it will share the results of the high-level investigation with the US. The US has also said that it is waiting for the conclusion of the Indian investigation.

Democratic senator said, America should give a strong diplomatic reply

A powerful group of Democratic senators in the US on Monday demanded a strong diplomatic response from the Biden administration to allegations of the Indian government's involvement in the failed plot to assassinate Pannu.

The two-page letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been signed by Senators Jeff Merkley, Ran Wyden, Tim Kaine, Bernie Sanders and Chris Van Hollen. In the letter, they wrote, "We urge a strong diplomatic response to ensure that all those involved are held accountable. We also request information about the status of the US administration's talks with the Indian government on this matter."

The senators also stressed that

The senators emphasized that India must maintain its commitment to respect for human rights at home and abroad while aspiring to global leadership. At the same time, the US must remain steadfast in opposing international repression, regardless of who is guilty.