India denounces ‘unwarranted’ Washington Post report on Pannun murder plot

In response to a piece by The Washington Post regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, India expressed strong objections on Tuesday.

| Updated: 30 April, 2024 7:08 pm IST

NEW DELHI: In response to a piece by The Washington Post regarding an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US, India expressed strong objections on Tuesday. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, labelled the report as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.”

He said, “There is an ongoing investigation of the High-Level Committee set up by the Government of India to look into the security concerns shared by the US government on networks of organised criminals, terrorists and others. Speculative and irresponsible comments on it are not helpful.”

The Washington Post’s investigative article claimed the involvement of a RAW official identified as Vikram Yadav in the assassination plan, purportedly sanctioned by the then chief of the Indian spy agency, Samant Goel.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the main leader of the Khalistan movement and legal advisor and spokesperson for ‘Sikhs for Justice’, has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government. His organisation ‘Sikhs for Justice’ campaigns for the creation of an independent Sikh state.

READ MORE : Trudeau: Committed to collaborating with India on Nijjar case

The White House, through a statement on Monday, acknowledged India’s serious approach to the allegations about the assassination plot. However, it abstained from commenting on the ongoing FBI investigation and the criminal case initiated by the Department of Justice, as reported by Media.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, addressing inquiries about The Washington Post’s report, mentioned that the Department of Justice is conducting a criminal investigation.

Jean-Pierre reiterated the strategic significance of India to the United States, mentioning the pursuit of an extensive agenda to bolster cooperation across various domains. She underscored the gravity of the situation, affirming that the Indian government has assured a thorough investigation into the matter.

The press secretary conveyed the expectation of accountability from the Indian government and the continuous effort by the US to voice concerns directly to Indian authorities.

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