Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused in a foiled assassination conspiracy targeting Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City, has pleaded guilty to multiple criminal charges before a federal court in Manhattan.
Gupta, 54, admitted guilt on Friday to three counts — murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering — according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The charges together carry a maximum possible prison sentence of up to 40 years.
The guilty plea was entered before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court. Gupta’s legal representatives did not immediately issue a public response following the hearing.
US authorities have kept Gupta in custody at a Brooklyn detention facility since June 2024, after he was extradited from the Czech Republic. He had been arrested there in 2023 at Washington’s request and initially pleaded not guilty upon his arrival in the United States before later changing his plea.
American prosecutors alleged that Gupta played a central role in organising a contract killing targeting Pannun, a Sikh separatist figure designated by India as a terrorist. The alleged plot was ultimately thwarted before any attack could take place.
The Indian government has publicly distanced itself from the case, stating that any such actions would be contrary to official policy. The allegations surrounding assassination plots against Sikh separatist figures in North America have strained diplomatic relations between India and Western countries, though New Delhi has consistently denied state involvement.
Sentencing proceedings are expected to follow at a later date, where the court will determine Gupta’s punishment within the statutory limits tied to the offences.
