“Will pursue his defense vigorously, ensure he receives full due process”: US Attorney of accused Nikhil Gupta

New York [US], June 17 : Indian national Nikhil Gupta, suspected by the US of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to kill the India-designated pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, was produced at the Federal courthouse in New York on Monday, June 17, where he put in a plea of ‘not guilty.’

In an exclusive interview to ANI, Gupta’s US-based lawyer, attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe said that his focus would be to pursue Gupta’s defense vigorously regardless of “outside pressures.”

“We will pursue his (Gupta’s) defence vigorously and ensure he receives full due process, regardless of outside pressures,” Chabrowe firmly asserted.

Gupta, who was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic late last week. has been accused by US federal prosecutors of plotting with an Indian government official to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

New Delhi has firmly dissociated itself from the plot against Pannun, saying it is against Indian government’s policy. It has said it would formally investigate security concerns raised by Washington.

“This is a complex matter for both our countries. It is extremely important that we refrain from rushing to conclusions so early in the process,’ Chabrowe added.

The US earlier said that it was satisfied so far with India’s moves to ensure accountability in the alleged plots, but added that many steps still needed to be taken. In November last year, US Justice Department officials announced charges against Gupta after he was arrested in June 2023 in the Czech Republic. They said Gupta would face extradition to New York.

The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the Justice Department stated in a release.