Five Indian American members of the US Congress—Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thanedar—expressed deep concern about Nikhil Gupta's indictment in a joint statement released on Friday. The Biden Administration briefed Congress on the Department of Justice's allegations against Gupta, accusing him of involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a US citizen in New York City.
The US Justice Department accused Gupta of plotting to assassinate Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen, although the indictment does not specifically name Pannun.
The statement emphasised the significance of the US-India partnership and voiced apprehension that failure to address the actions outlined in the indictment could "cause significant damage to this consequential bilateral partnership".
The Representatives commended the Government of India's decision to form a Committee of Enquiry to investigate the murder plot and urged a thorough investigation, accountability, and assurances that such incidents would not recur.
“We appreciate the Administration providing us a classified briefing on the Department of Justice’s indictment of Nikhil Gupta, which alleges that an Indian government official engaged in a murder-for-hire plot of an American citizen. 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. 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," the statement said.
"We believe the U.S. – India partnership has made 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 statement read further.
Simultaneously, on the same day, Gupta's family filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court of India, seeking government intervention to secure his release from custody in the Czech Republic.
The Czech Ministry of Justice confirmed Gupta's arrest and provisional detention at the request of the US. In response to concerns raised by US officials during meetings with Indian representatives, India initiated a panel to investigate the allegations.
The White House said last week that it was pleased with India's serious approach to the alleged assassination plot and urged a thorough investigation. National Security spokesman John Kirby emphasised India's strategic partnership with the United States and called for those responsible for the plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of the banned organisation Sikh for Justice (SFJ), to be held accountable. The situation was deemed a "matter of concern" by India's Ministry of External Affairs and contrary to government policy. Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reaffirmed India's commitment to dealing with the issue seriously.