Got Consular Access To Pannun 'Killing' Plot Accused Nikhil Gupta At Least Three Times: Ministry Of External Affairs

India has been granted consular access to Nikhil Gupta on at least three occasions. Gupta is currently detained in a Czech prison due to charges by the US relating to an unsuccessful 'assassination attempt' on Sikh terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi confirmed the consular access during a media briefing on Thursday (21 December), stating, "We received consular access to him at least on three occasions."

According to US federal prosecutors, Gupta allegedly collaborated with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to 'assassinate' Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.

Notably, Gupta's family had alleged in a petition to the Supreme Court that he was not permitted consular access, the ability to communicate with his family in India, or the opportunity to acquire legal representation.

However, the Czech prison authority denied it saying that all prisoners have the right to interact with the world beyond the prison walls. He clarified that this interaction could be facilitated through various means such as phone calls, written letters, standard in-person visits, or even video calls.