The Czech Constitutional Court has made a decision regarding the extradition of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian man accused of plotting to assassinate a US-based Sikh separatist leader in New York. Despite Gupta’s petition against his extradition to the US, the court has rejected his appeal, paving the way for a final decision by the country’s justice minister.
Gupta, who is currently in jail in Prague, faces charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison if extradited to the US. US prosecutors allege that Gupta attempted to hire a hitman to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist figure, in New York. However, the hitman turned out to be an undercover federal agent, according to prosecutors.
The plot, which also targeted other Sikh separatists in North America, was allegedly orchestrated by a yet unnamed Indian government official. India has designated Pannun as a terrorist, a claim he denies, stating that he is an activist advocating for Khalistan, a separate Sikh homeland.
The White House has raised concerns about the alleged assassination plot with India at the highest levels, prompting Indian officials to distance themselves from the actions, stating that such activities go against government policy. India has initiated an investigation into the allegations against Gupta.
In January, India’s Supreme Court dismissed Gupta’s plea for assistance in securing his release and ensuring a fair trial, stating that it was the government’s responsibility to address the matter. The court refused to intervene in the case, leaving the final decision on Gupta’s extradition to the justice minister.
