SOURCE: AFI
In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Indian national Nikhil Gupta has granted his first-ever interview from a US prison, asserting his innocence and alleging that his case is a politically motivated scheme intended to influence elections in India. Gupta, who has been detained in New York since his extradition from Prague in June last year, is facing charges related to an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Gupta was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Prague and subsequently extradited to the United States, where he stands accused of involvement in a conspiracy targeting Pannun, a figure proscribed in India since 2019. The charges against him have been a subject of intense scrutiny and controversy, with Gupta now claiming that he has been unjustly accused and mistreated.
In his interview with The Sunday Guardian, facilitated through an intermediary, Gupta articulated a strong defense against the allegations. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations against him are baseless and part of a broader, politically motivated plot. According to Gupta, the case is designed to influence electoral dynamics in India and cater to specific political agendas both in India and the United States.
Gupta expressed profound concerns about his safety while imprisoned, claiming that poor conditions in the US jail could jeopardize his life. He has reported that US authorities have ignored his pleas for a transfer to a safer facility, further fueling his fears of potential harm.
Gupta’s statement reflects a broader narrative of political manipulation. He alleges that the case against him is a manifestation of a “divide and rule” strategy, aimed at exploiting and amplifying tensions within the Sikh community both in India and the US. According to Gupta, the US authorities are using his situation to create a narrative that serves their interests, leveraging the influence of the Sikh community for political gain.
He describes a harsh environment where officials are pressuring him to conform to their narrative. Gupta claims that he is being coerced into making statements and acknowledging information that he does not possess or recognize, as part of a broader scheme to fit him into a predetermined story.
Gupta’s assertions raise significant questions about the fairness of his treatment and the legitimacy of the charges against him. As he awaits his trial, scheduled to commence on September 13, his case continues to draw attention and controversy. The allegations of political manipulation and coercion highlight the complexities and potential injustices faced by individuals entangled in high-stakes international disputes.