New York/New Delhi: Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a US federal court in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Appearing before a Manhattan federal court, Gupta admitted to three charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering. He faces a maximum prison term of 40 years if convicted.
Trial after extradition from Czech Republic
The 54-year-old was arrested in the Czech Republic in 2023 and extradited to the United States in June 2024. While he had initially maintained his innocence, he has now formally accepted the charges during proceedings before Judge Sarah Netburn.
US investigators allege the plot was conceived in May 2023 and claim that a purported Indian government-linked individual was also involved.
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India’s official position
The Government of India has distanced itself from the allegations, stating it has no involvement in any such conspiracy and that such actions are contrary to its policy. New Delhi has reiterated its willingness to cooperate with the investigation while firmly rejecting claims of official complicity.
Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a New York-based lawyer associated with the banned organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The Indian government has designated him a terrorist, accusing him of anti-India activities, funding violence and issuing provocative threats.
He has repeatedly made threatening statements targeting Indian institutions and civil aviation, placing him under the watch of security agencies.
Diplomatic implications
The case had earlier caused strain in India–US relations, with Washington treating it as a serious security matter and New Delhi denying any role in unlawful activity. Experts say Gupta’s guilty plea could accelerate legal proceedings but may also revive diplomatic questions surrounding the allegations.
What lies ahead
The court will now decide on sentencing. If convicted, the case could set an important precedent in matters of international security cooperation, extradition and counter-terrorism. With the legal process entering its final phase, the outcome is likely to influence the tone of ongoing India–US diplomatic engagement.
