New Delhi: India has strongly refuted allegations levied by The Washington Post that an Indian intelligence officer orchestrated a plot to assassinate US-based Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, dismissing the claims as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.”
The report, published on Sunday, asserted that US intelligence agencies had concluded that the operation to eliminate Pannun was sanctioned by Samant Goel, the former chief of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Responding to the allegations, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a statement condemning the report’s assertions. “The report in question makes unwarranted and unsubstantiated imputations on a serious matter,” Jaiswal stated.
Jaiswal emphasized that an ongoing investigation, conducted by a high-level committee established by the Indian government, is actively addressing security concerns shared by the US government regarding organized criminal networks and terrorists.
“Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful,” Jaiswal remarked, urging caution in discussing sensitive matters.
The allegations stem from an indictment by the US Justice Department, which accused an Indian national, identified as CC-1, of orchestrating a foiled assassination plot. The indictment alleged that CC-1 recruited Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination of the Sikh separatist, a plan thwarted by US authorities.
This incident follows similar accusations made by Canada, implicating Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India has consistently rejected these claims, underscoring Canada’s tolerance of anti-India extremist elements.
In December 2023, the MEA addressed the nexus between organized crime, trafficking, gun running, and extremist activities on an international scale, highlighting the seriousness of the issue for law enforcement agencies. The formation of a high-level committee reflects India’s commitment to addressing these complex challenges.
As investigations continue, India remains steadfast in its denial of involvement in the alleged plots, emphasizing the need for evidence-based discourse and cooperation between nations to combat transnational threats.
