Nikhil Gupta, an Indian businessman currently imprisoned in the US on charges related to an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, has broken his silence in a recent interview.
Gupta vehemently denies any involvement in the alleged conspiracy, asserting his innocence and framing his detention as a politically motivated scheme aimed at influencing elections in India.
Gupta, who was apprehended in Prague by the FBI last year and extradited to New York, faces serious accusations linked to the alleged plot against Pannu, a figure declared a terrorist by India in 2019.
However, Gupta's narrative paints a starkly different picture. He maintains that the charges are fabricated and part of a broader strategy to manipulate political dynamics in both the US and India.
In his first-ever interview from prison, Gupta expressed concerns about his safety, alleging that the conditions in the US jail could endanger his life. He claims that his pleas for transfer to a safer facility have been ignored by US authorities, adding to his anxieties.
Gupta's account goes beyond mere self-defense. He alleges a calculated effort by US authorities to exploit divisions within the Sikh community, both domestically and internationally. He portrays his situation as a pawn in a "divide and rule" strategy, designed to further specific political agendas.
Additionally, Gupta details a coercive environment within the prison, where officials are allegedly pressuring him to conform to a predetermined narrative. He claims they are forcing him to acknowledge information he does not possess, painting a disturbing picture of potential injustice.
Gupta's claims raise serious concerns about the fairness of his treatment and the legitimacy of the charges against him. His trial is scheduled to begin on September 13, and his case continues to attract attention and controversy, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls faced by individuals caught in high-stakes international disputes.
