The Czech Republic court has ruled in favor of extraditing Nikhil Gupta to the United States, where he faces charges related to a conspiracy to assassinate Sikh leaders. Gupta, an Indian citizen with a history of criminal activity, stands accused of orchestrating a plot at the behest of Indian authorities.
The Khalistan movement in India is gaining momentum, fueled by allegations of a targeted campaign by the Modi govt against Sikh leaders. In June 2023, a series of attacks shook Sikh communities worldwide, including the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and an attempted attack on Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the United States.
Investigations by Canadian and American authorities have unearthed evidence linking these attacks to the Indian govt, alleging a conspiracy to silence dissenting voices within the Sikh community. Nikhil Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic, is believed to have played a key role in these plots, including hiring a hitman to carry out the assassinations.
In addition to the charges related to the assassination plots, Gupta faces accusations of involvement in international drug and arms trafficking. US prosecutors have charged him with conspiring to kill at least four Sikh leaders in the US.
As Gupta awaits transfer to American custody, questions linger about the Modi govt's response to the allegations.
