India Seeks US Assistance in San Francisco Consulate Attack Probe

India Seeks US Assistance in San Francisco Consulate Attack Probe

VoM News Desk | November 15, 2023 | 09:59 AM IST | Crime, India, World | Follow on Google News

India Seeks US Assistance in San Francisco Consulate Attack Probe .

India Seeks US Assistance in San Francisco Consulate Attack Probe

India has invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to request evidence from the United States in connection with a series of attacks on the Indian consulate in San Francisco. This request, made by Indian authorities, is part of an ongoing investigation led by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Attacks by Pro-Khalistan Supporters

The consulate was first targeted in March by pro-Khalistan supporters, marking a concerning pattern of violence against the diplomatic facility. The attackers attempted to set the building on fire, breaching security barriers, and raised Khalistani flags on the premises. This incident led to damage to the consulate and resulted in injuries to officials.

Escalation of Hostilities and NIA Involvement

A subsequent attack occurred in the intervening night of July 1 and 2, where trespassers again tried to set the consulate on fire. Officials inside the building were put at risk, and pro-Khalistan supporters circulated a video of the arson online. The video featured inflammatory messages and referenced the death of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

US Condemnation and Ongoing Investigations

The United States has condemned these acts as criminal offenses. Following these incidents, the NIA registered a case on June 16 under various legal sections and initiated a thorough investigation. In August, an NIA team visited San Francisco to further the investigation, analyzing CCTV footage and identifying approximately 45 suspects.

International Cooperation Against Terrorist Activities

The involvement of the NIA and the request for evidence from the US under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty underscore the seriousness with which India is addressing this issue. The cooperation between India and the US in this matter reflects a joint commitment to combating terrorism and protecting diplomatic missions worldwide. The ongoing probe seeks to bring those responsible for these acts of violence to justice and prevent future attacks on diplomatic facilities.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.