A high-level inquiry committee, established by the Government of India in November 2023, has recommended legal action against an individual involved in activities linked to organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug networks that posed threats to the security of both India and the United States.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) refrained from naming the individual but acknowledged, “Based on information provided by US authorities regarding activities of organized criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug peddlers undermining the security interests of India and the US, the Government of India constituted a high-powered inquiry committee in November 2023.”
The statement further detailed that the committee conducted independent investigations and pursued leads provided by the US. Collaboration between the two nations included exchange visits and full cooperation from US authorities. Officials from various agencies were examined, and relevant documents scrutinized during the inquiry.
After extensive deliberation, the committee submitted its report, recommending prompt legal action against the identified individual, whose criminal background and associations came to light during the investigation. It also suggested systemic and procedural reforms to enhance India’s response capabilities and establish coordinated mechanisms to prevent similar incidents.
Background: Pannun Assassination Plot
The inquiry followed concerns raised by US authorities over a foiled assassination attempt targeting pro-Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Pannun, wanted in India under terrorism charges and designated a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, holds dual citizenship in the US and Canada.
The US Department of State had previously stated that the Indian inquiry panel was investigating an individual identified in a US Department of Justice indictment. This individual, allegedly an Indian government employee, was accused of orchestrating the failed assassination plot in New York City.
In November 2023, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with collaborating with the alleged Indian government employee in the plot against Pannun. Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023, was extradited to the US on June 14, 2024.
While India has denied these allegations, it established an internal investigation team to address the concerns. A delegation from the inquiry panel visited the US in October 2024 to review evidence and engage with American authorities.
Indian Government’s Response
Acknowledging the seriousness of the US-provided inputs, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated in October 2024, “We have taken the inputs shared by the US very seriously and remain engaged with the US side on this matter.”
The foiled assassination attempt against Pannun surfaced amidst heightened tensions following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the June 18, 2024, killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India strongly refuted Trudeau’s claims but faced increased international scrutiny in the aftermath.
