Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has filed a lawsuit against India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Indian national Nikhil Gupta, alleging a conspiracy to assassinate him in the United States. The lawsuit stems from a case made public by the US Justice Department in November 2023, which detailed a failed plot to assassinate Pannun in New York.

What Happened
Pannun claimed that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in February 2025, he successfully served court documents, including a summons, to Doval. However, a US court has denied his claim, ruling that service was not properly executed. US District Judge Katherine Polk Failla stated, "The court has found that service was not completed. The complaint was not delivered to a member of the hotel management or staff or any officers or agents providing security for the defendant, as required by the court's order."

Where and When the Attempts Were Made
According to Pannun, he deployed two process servers and an investigator to serve the documents while Doval accompanied PM Modi during the US visit on February 12-13, 2025. The first attempt was made on February 12 at Blair House, where the Indian delegation was staying. However, Secret Service agents stationed at Blair House refused to accept the documents and instructed the individual serving them to leave the premises.

A second attempt was made on February 13, but again, Secret Service agents refused entry beyond the security checkpoint and warned of arrest when the individual tried to place the documents outside the guest house. As a last resort, the documents were left at a nearby Starbucks with instructions for the agents to collect and deliver them to Doval.

Background on the Case Against Nikhil Gupta
The case is linked to the indictment of Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who was accused of working with a former Indian official, Vikash Yadav, to target Pannun. Gupta was initially detained in Prague and later extradited to the US in June 2024. The US Justice Department revealed details of the foiled plot in late 2023, leading to legal proceedings against Gupta.

Conclusion
Despite Pannun’s assertion that summons were served on Ajit Doval, the US court found that the legal requirements for service were not met, rendering the attempt invalid. With the case still unfolding, it remains to be seen what legal developments will follow in this high-profile matter involving international security concerns.