Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty on Friday, February 13, 2026, in federal court in Manhattan to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering in a plot targeting Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and U.S. resident. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan said the charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
Gupta entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. His attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the spokesperson said. Prosecutors allege Gupta conspired with an Indian government official to arrange the assassination plot against Pannun.
Gupta has been held in custody in Brooklyn since June 2024, after his extradition to the United States from the Czech Republic; Czech authorities had arrested him in 2023. At the time of his extradition, Gupta had pleaded not guilty, according to court records referenced by prosecutors.
The Indian government has denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, saying it would contradict official policy. The discovery of purported assassination plots against Sikh separatists in the United States and Canada has previously tested diplomatic ties with India, which has repeatedly disavowed participation in such actions.
The guilty plea was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan. Further court proceedings will determine sentencing and may reveal additional details about the roles of others alleged to be involved.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/indian-citizen-nikhil-gupta-pleads-guilty-in-pannun-plot
Category: International News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-14 15:16:00
