Intercepted on the arrival gate of a unique nation, accosted by grim “American agents”, being bundled right into a black SUV and interrogated for 3 hours because it drives round a overseas metropolis, and having your cell phone seized (and potential hacked into) – the hallmarks of a traditional Hollywood spy thriller.

However, in keeping with the household of Nikhil Gupta – the Indian nationwide accused of trying to engineer the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist and American-Canadian citizen – that is what occurred to him after he landed on the Vaclav Havel Airport in Czechia’s Prague on June 30.

Mr Gupta, 52, moved the Supreme Court Friday – through a member of the family recognized solely as Mr X – claiming a number of violations of basic rights, together with threats to himself and his household, and requested the Indian authorities to intervene in his extradition to the United States on murder-for-hire fees.

READ | “Approach Czech Court”: Supreme Court On Indian Accused In US Murder Plot

The courtroom adjourned the listening to to January 4.

In the petition, Mr X mentioned Nikhil Gupta had been “approached by certain individuals who identified themselves to be law enforcement” and was detained exterior the Prague airport with none motive.

Perhaps essentially the most vital level within the petition was the declare “Czech authorities had not informed the Indian Embassy as to the arrest/detention, or even whereabouts, of the petitioner”, and that consular entry – which should be offered if the person is a overseas citizen – had been delayed almost 20 days.

Detained In Black SUV

According to the petition, all of it started when “… individuals who claimed to be law enforcement officers forcefully made the petitioner sit in an unidentified black SUV… took his phones… attached a device…”

The petition additionally identified the “arrest” was made not on the immigration counter within the airport, as would have been the norm, however after Nikhil Gupta cleared entry formalities, “… when (he) had, in fact, exited Vaclav Havel Airport… meaning this round of questioning in the back of an SUV for three hours was absolutely illegal and against the principles of both international and municipal law”.

It was additionally argued that claims of an Interpol Red Corner Notice in opposition to Mr Gupta have been pretend as a result of he had not been stopped at any of the earlier airports he had visited, together with Delhi and Turkey.

Hanover To Local Police

The “American agents” additionally threatened the petitioner earlier than handing him over to native authorities, when, the petition claimed, he was topic to a medical take a look at that concerned assortment of blood and biometrics. Mr Gupta was allegedly solely informed of the costs in opposition to him the next morning.

“Subsequently, the petitioner was appointed a defence attorney by the Czech authorities who advised the petitioner… to give his consent to be taken to New York,” Mr X mentioned within the petition.

The petitioner additionally famous “… this advice was against the best interest of the petitioner and under the undue influence of US agencies who were trying to extradite the petitioner as soon as possible”.

“Forced To Eat Pork, Beef”

According to the petition, within the first 10-11 days of jail, Mr Gupta was supplied solely pork and beef, which he couldn’t eat as a “devout Hindu and vegetarian”. “Even after authorities were informed, they refused to give him vegetarian food.. was forced to eat food that violates… most basic human rights”.

Could Not Contact Family

Mr Gupta was allegedly additionally not allowed to contact his household in India. “… petitioner was told by local authorities in Prague (this would be possible) only after US authorities approve of him making calls”.

The first time he was allegedly allowed to satisfy an Indian official was July 19 – almost 20 days after his “illegal” detention, and speak to with household was solely allowed after the Prague High Court intervened.

What Is The Nikhil Gupta Case?

Mr Gupta is accused of making an attempt to rent a hitman to assassinate Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist who holds American-Canadian citizenship. The ‘hitman’ was an undercover US federal agent.

READ | Who Is Nikhil Gupta, Man Charged In Failed Plot To Kill Khalistan Terrorist

Mr Gupta now faces a 20-year jail time period if convicted. The US has additionally accused an Indian authorities worker, whose identification has been withheld presently, and have solely known as CC-1.

READ | Khalistani Terrorist “Wants To Divide India, Create Many Countries”: Sources

Responding to the costs, the External Affairs Ministry had mentioned “India takes such inputs seriously, since they impinge on our national security interests as well, and relevant departments are already examining the issue.” A high-level inquiry committee has been established, the federal government mentioned.

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