New York, February 13, 2026 — An Indian national accused in a plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist on U.S. soil has pleaded guilty to three federal charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced Friday. The case, which has strained relations between the U.S. and India, centers around allegations of a conspiracy reaching into the Indian government.
Gupta Admits to Murder-for-Hire Scheme
Nikhil Gupta, 54, faces up to 40 years in prison after admitting his role in a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
- Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
- The charges carry a maximum combined sentence of 40 years in prison.
- Gupta was extradited to the U.S. from the Czech Republic in June 2024, after being arrested a year prior.
- U.S. prosecutors allege Gupta plotted with an Indian government official to carry out the assassination.
Gupta entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. He admitted to participating in a conspiracy to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. resident and dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Gupta has been detained in Brooklyn since his extradition from the Czech Republic in June 2024. He had initially pleaded not guilty following his arrival in the United States. His legal representation was not immediately available for comment.
India Denies Involvement
The Indian government has publicly distanced itself from any involvement in the alleged plot, stating that such actions would be contrary to its official policy. However, the case has fueled scrutiny of India’s alleged involvement in similar incidents, including accusations related to the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Is this an isolated incident? No. The discovery of alleged assassination attempts against Sikh separatists in both the United States and Canada has significantly tested diplomatic ties with India, which continues to deny any connection to these plots.
U.S. prosecutors have alleged that Gupta worked in concert with an unnamed Indian government official to orchestrate Pannun’s assassination. Details of the alleged communication and coordination between Gupta and the official remain under investigation.
Extradition and Initial Charges
Gupta’s extradition to the U.S. followed a lengthy legal battle in the Czech Republic. He was initially arrested there in June 2023 based on a U.S. indictment. The indictment detailed allegations that Gupta was recruited and directed by the Indian government official to carry out the assassination.
The case is being closely watched by both U.S. and international observers, as it raises serious questions about the potential for foreign interference and the protection of individuals advocating for political causes on foreign soil.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the legal system. Sentencing for Gupta is scheduled for a later date.
