An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty Friday in a New York federal court to charges related to a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta admitted his role in the murder-for-hire conspiracy, which United States authorities say was directed by an Indian government official. This development marks a significant turn in a case that has strained diplomatic relations between Washington and New Delhi.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]} ### Charges and the Target Gupta pleaded guilty to three criminal charges: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.^{[1][2][4][9][5][10][11][6][7][12][8][13][14]} The target of the assassination plot was Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based Sikh separatist leader. Pannun holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship. He serves as a lawyer for Sikhs for Justice, a group advocating for a sovereign Sikh state known as Khalistan in northern India. India's government considers Pannun a terrorist.^{[2][3][15][10][6][16]} ### Orchestration of the Plot U.S. prosecutors accused Gupta of working with an Indian government official, identified as "CC-1" in court documents and later named Vikash Yadav. Yadav was reportedly a "senior field officer" involved in intelligence and security management. He was employed by India's Cabinet Secretariat, which oversees the country's foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).^{[2][4][15][9][5][10][6][16][17][14][18]} According to court filings, Yadav recruited Gupta in May 2023 to coordinate Pannun's assassination on American soil. Gupta then contacted an individual he believed was a criminal associate to arrange the killing. However, this individual was actually a confidential source working with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).^{[2][3][4][15][9][5][10][6][16][7][13][19]} The confidential source later introduced Gupta to an undercover DEA officer posing as a hitman.^{[3][15][10][6][16][7][13][19]} Yadav and Gupta allegedly agreed to pay $100,000 for the assassination. They arranged for an advance payment of $15,000 in cash to be delivered to the undercover officer in June 2023.^{[3][15][9][5][10][16][7][8][13][14][19]} Prosecutors said the plot was ultimately foiled by U.S. law enforcement before any attack could be carried out.^{[2][5][18][19]} ### Arrest and Extradition Czech authorities arrested Nikhil Gupta in June 2023 in the Czech Republic, acting on a request from the United States. He was then extradited to the U.S. in June 2024 to face the charges. Gupta had initially pleaded not guilty after his extradition.^{[1][2][3][6][12][13][18]} During court proceedings, Gupta acknowledged his involvement in international narcotics and arms trafficking.^[2][15][16] U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, issued a strong statement following Gupta's guilty plea. "Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a U.S. citizen in New York City," Clayton said. "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. Our message to all nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people."^{[2][3][4][5][10][6][16][13][14][20]} FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. emphasized that Gupta acted "at the direction and coordination of an Indian government employee," facilitating an effort to silence a critic of the Indian government.^{[2][3][4][5][10][17][20]} ### India's Official Position The Indian government has consistently "dissociated itself" from any involvement in the plot against Pannun. New Delhi maintains that such actions are against its official policy. India has also denied involvement in alleged assassination plots against Sikh separatists in both the United States and Canada.^{[1][15][6][16][14][18][19]} In November 2023, India established a high-level inquiry committee to address the security concerns raised by the U.S. This committee concluded its work in January 2025, recommending legal action.^[14][18][19] The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed in October 2024 that Vikash Yadav, the individual named in the U.S. indictment, was no longer employed by the Indian government.^[18] This case has significantly tested diplomatic relations between India and Western nations. It also drew comparisons to the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Sikh separatist leader, in British Columbia, Canada. Court papers in Gupta's case suggest he believed Nijjar "was also the target" and that "we have so many targets."^{[3][15][13][20]} ### What Happens Next With Gupta's guilty plea, the focus now shifts to his sentencing. Under federal sentencing guidelines, he could face a prison term of approximately 20 to 24 years, though the judge will make the final determination.^{[9][16][12][21]} This plea agreement helps Gupta avoid a high-profile trial that could have resulted in the maximum 40-year sentence.^[11][21] The case underscores the United States' commitment to defending its citizens' rights and holding foreign actors accountable for actions on American soil.^{[2][3][4][5][10][6][16][17][13][14][20]}

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