Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused by the US of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to assassinate India-designated pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, pleaded not guilty in a federal court in the US.
Gupta arrived at Manhattan Federal Courthouse in New York City at 12:30 p.m. (local time) and pleaded not guilty.
On 14th June, Gupta was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic.
While speaking to reporters, Gupta’s US-based lawyer, attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe, stated that they would file a bail application at a later date, implying that Gupta will remain detained for the time being.
During the hearing, Chabrowe emphasized the conditions of Gupta’s detention, stating that he had not been given a vegetarian meal since arriving at a Brooklyn detention facility on Friday.
The New York-based attorney will be able to speak with Gupta again.
The next hearing is on June 28.
US federal prosecutors have accused Nikhil Gupta of conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The discovery of alleged assassination plots against Pannun in the United States has focused attention on the India-US relationship.
New Delhi has firmly denied any involvement in the plot against Pannun, claiming that it violates Indian government policy. It has stated that it will formally investigate the security concerns raised by Washington.
The US Justice Department alleges that Gupta (52) is an Indian government associate who, along with others, helped plot Pannun’s assassination in New York City.
