Indian National Admits Guilt in US Court Over Assassination Plot Against Khalistani Leader
In a significant legal development, 54-year-old Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistani separatist leader and United States citizen. The guilty plea was entered in a US federal court, where Gupta faced three serious charges: murder for hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Details of the Foiled Assassination Conspiracy
The plot, which unfolded in 2023, involved Gupta collaborating with several individuals, including Vikas Yadav, who US authorities have identified as a former employee of the Indian government. According to court documents, Gupta described himself in electronic communications as an international narcotics and weapons trafficker, using the alias "Nick." Yadav reportedly recruited Gupta to mastermind the assassination of Pannun, who has been a vocal critic of the Indian government and advocates for the secession of Punjab to establish a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan.
The Indian government has banned Pannun and his separatist organization from operating within India, citing national security concerns. As part of the conspiracy, Gupta was provided with extensive personal information about Pannun, including his home address, phone numbers, and detailed day-to-day activities, to facilitate the planned killing.
Financial Arrangements and Undercover Operation
Yadav agreed to pay $100,000 for the murder of Pannun, with Gupta tasked with arranging the hit. However, the plot was thwarted when Gupta contacted a hitman who turned out to be an undercover agent working for US law enforcement. This undercover operation led to the unraveling of the conspiracy, resulting in Gupta's arrest in the Czech Republic and subsequent extradition to the United States to face justice.
US Attorney's Stern Warning
US Attorney Jay Clayton delivered a powerful statement following Gupta's guilty plea, emphasizing the consequences of targeting individuals on American soil. "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," Clayton asserted.
Clayton issued a clear warning to foreign actors: "Our message to all nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people." This statement underscores the US government's commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding the rule of law, regardless of where threats originate.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Nikhil Gupta's sentencing has been scheduled for May 2026, where he will face the full weight of the US judicial system for his crimes. The case highlights the complexities of international law enforcement cooperation and the serious repercussions for individuals involved in cross-border criminal activities targeting US interests.
This incident also sheds light on the ongoing tensions surrounding Khalistani separatism and the global reach of such political movements, as well as the measures taken by governments to address perceived threats to national security and sovereignty.
