Pannun 'murder plot': Czech court halts Gupta's extradition to US
What's the story
The Supreme Court of the Czech Republic has temporarily halted the extradition of Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, who is facing charges in the United States.
Gupta is accused of masterminding a plot to assassinate Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
The court's decision was influenced by potential public interest harm that could result from delaying the extradition, as reported by The Indian Express.
Ruling explained
Justice Ministry representative clarifies court's provisional ruling
Markéta Andrová, a representative for the Czech Ministry of Justice, has clarified the implications of the Supreme Court's provisional ruling.
According to Andrová, this interim decision prevents the Justice Minister from making any decisions regarding Gupta's extradition until the Constitutional Court has reviewed and ruled on Gupta's complaint.
The Prague-based Constitutional Court had previously noted potential disproportionate harm to Gupta if extradited to face prosecution in the US.
Charges detailed
Gupta faces serious charges, detained in Czech Republic
Gupta is currently detained and faces serious charges of conspiracy to commit murder.
If convicted, this crime could lead to a maximum sentence of 10years.
He was apprehended by Czech law enforcement on June 30, under an extradition agreement between the US and the Czech Republic.
However, there is no set timeline for when the Constitutional Court will deliver its final decision on Gupta's extradition.
Investigation initiated
India establishes committee to probe US lawsuit
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has expressed concerns over a lawsuit filed in a US court implicating an individual with ties to an Indian official.
In response, India has established a high-level committee to investigate this issue.
The MEA spokesperson stated, "We cannot share any further information on such security matters...this is contrary to government policy."
The US is now awaiting findings from India's investigation into these claims.
Awaiting findings
US awaits India's investigation results, allegations taken seriously
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the US is waiting for results from India's inquiry committee.
He emphasized that both nations are treating these allegations with utmost seriousness.
Last November, the US Justice Department revealed charges against Gupta for his purported role in a thwarted assassination attempt on Pannun.
The Washington Post recently implicated an officer from India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in this alleged plot, which India has vehemently denied as "unwarranted and unsubstantiated".