New York, An investigation by the Indian government into the attempted assassination of a Sikh leader in New York has implicated rogue operatives, revealing that at least one government employee involved in the plot has yet to face criminal charges. This finding emerges from an international report by Bloomberg, detailing the ongoing probe and its implications for Indo-US relations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, despite identifying the operatives, the Indian authorities have not initiated criminal proceedings against the individuals involved, one of whom remains in government employment. The investigation’s outcomes were shared with the US, which has since pressed for the criminal prosecution of the implicated parties. This demand was echoed by Donald Lu, the US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, during a visit to India.
The case in question involves an alleged conspiracy directed by an Indian government official to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen and prominent Sikh separatist leader, in June. Pannun has been an outspoken critic of the policies of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The US State Department, seeking accountability for the implicated individuals based on the investigation’s findings, has consistently raised concerns with the Indian government. During a recent hearing at the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, assistant secretary of state Lu emphasized the importance the Biden administration places on these allegations, insisting on a swift and transparent resolution to ensure justice.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to comment on these allegations or the investigative committee’s findings, which remain confidential.
This incident complicates US-India relations and adds to concerns about India’s alleged targeting of Sikh activists abroad. A similar accusation from Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India’s involvement in the murder of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil had previously strained diplomatic ties between India and Canada, leading to a reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff within India and affecting visa services for Indian nationals traveling to Canada.