NEW DELHI: In a recent development, Nikhil Gupta, accused by the US of orchestrating a plan to assassinate Khalistan extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has spent the last 100 days in solitary confinement. Gupta, a Delhi-based businessperson, has now approached the Supreme Court through a family member, challenging the legality of his arrest.
The petition filed before the apex court claims that Gupta’s arrest violated his fundamental rights. He asserted that he was being denied contact with his family members and highlighted multiple irregularities in the circumstances surrounding his apprehension. Gupta, detained by US authorities in Czechia, alleged that no formal arrest warrant was presented during his arrest.
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The petitioner, a devout Hindu, further claimed mistreatment during his custody, alleging that he was force-fed beef and pork, a violation of his religious beliefs. Gupta accused the authorities of denying him consular access, the right to legal representation, and the opportunity to contact his family in India.
The petition stated, “Nikhil Gupta is a law-abiding and peaceful citizen of the Republic of India, residing in New Delhi with his family. The petitioner is currently in detention in Prague, facing extradition to the US.
“Recent leaks of confidential information about the petitioner’s case in New York and irresponsible reporting pose an imminent threat to his life and well-being in Czech Republic and to his family in Delhi, India.”
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In November, US authorities identified Gupta as the individual in contact with an Indian government employee involved in Pannun’s alleged assassination plot. According to documents, Gupta had reportedly hired a hitman for the job, unaware that the “hitman” was an undercover cop, leading to the foiling of the plot. The legal proceedings now bring to light a complex web of international intrigue with Gupta at the centre of the storm.