New York: Indian national Nikhil Gupta could face up to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty in a US federal court to charges related to an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani supporter Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The 54-year-old admitted in a Manhattan courtroom to conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, attempted murder and money laundering.
According to prosecutors, Gupta agreed to arrange the killing of an individual in the United States and paid $15,000 in New York to a person he believed would carry out the hit. During the hearing, he acknowledged that he had worked with another individual to plan the assassination and had facilitated financial transactions for the operation.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
The US Attorney’s Office said District Judge Victor Marrero will formally pronounce the sentence on May 29, 2026. Following the guilty plea, the court will determine the final prison term, which can extend to a maximum of 24 years under federal sentencing guidelines.
Investigators said the alleged plot was foiled due to proactive law enforcement action involving covert surveillance, undercover operations and tracking of financial transfers. Authorities described the case as a serious national security matter and highlighted the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies.
Prosecutors had also alleged that Gupta acted in concert with an Indian official in planning the operation, though detailed information about that aspect has not been made public. The case has drawn significant international attention given its cross-border implications.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released photographs of Gupta on the social media platform X, stating that regional officials had issued a statement following his guilty plea and commended the investigative work carried out in the case.
A senior FBI official said the plot was disrupted in time and credited the outcome to coordinated law enforcement efforts. The official added that any attempt to harm US citizens would be met with decisive legal action regardless of where the perpetrators are located.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a US-Canadian citizen and is designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency. The case has attracted diplomatic and security-related attention, as it touches upon issues of transnational plots, counter-terror cooperation and bilateral sensitivities.
Legal experts noted that a guilty plea typically shortens the trial process, but sentencing will depend on factors such as the gravity of the conspiracy, financial transactions involved and its implications for national security.
The sentencing in May is expected to be closely watched by law enforcement agencies in both countries and by the international community, given its potential impact on discussions around cross-border crime, terrorism and judicial cooperation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
