Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Feb 14: Indian national Nikhil Gupta, accused of orchestrating a failed murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, has pleaded guilty before a Manhattan federal court.
Gupta, 54, admitted to three charges — murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering — before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn on Friday. The charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29 by US District Judge Victor Marrero.
Following the plea, US Attorney Jay Clayton said, “Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a US citizen in New York City. He thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice.” He added that the message to foreign actors was to “steer clear of the United States and our people.”
US authorities have alleged that Gupta acted at the direction of Vikash Yadav, described in court documents as an individual working for the Indian government. According to prosecutors, in May 2023, Yadav enlisted Gupta to coordinate the assassination plot.
Investigators claimed Gupta contacted a person he believed to be a criminal associate to arrange the killing for USD 100,000. However, the individual was a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). In June 2023, an associate of Gupta allegedly delivered USD 15,000 in cash as an advance payment to an undercover officer before the plot was foiled by law enforcement agencies.
A senior FBI official stated that Gupta allegedly plotted the assassination “at the direction and coordination of an Indian government employee,” terming it an attempt to silence a vocal critic of the Indian government on American soil. Another FBI official said the case should serve as a warning to criminal networks engaged in transnational repression.
Gupta has been in US custody since his extradition from the Czech Republic in June 2024. He was arrested there in 2023 and had initially pleaded not guilty after being extradited to the United States.
India has denied any involvement in the alleged plot, stating that such actions are contrary to government policy. In November 2023, the Indian government constituted a high-level inquiry committee to examine the allegations. The panel submitted its findings in January 2025, recommending legal action and noting prior criminal antecedents of the individual concerned, though it did not publicly name any official.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun heads the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice, which has been declared an unlawful association in India.
He was designated a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020 under anti-terror laws for allegedly promoting separatism and financing violence linked to the Khalistan movement. His properties in Punjab were later attached by the National Investigation Agency.
Born in Khankot village near Amritsar, Pannun is believed to hold a law degree from Panjab University. He is known for releasing provocative videos and statements targeting India and Indian nationals, including threats related to Air India flights and alleged calls to mobilise “sleeper cells” in support of separatist activities.