NEW YORK, Feb 14: Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who pled guilty in a Manhattan court to an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader and American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, faces 40 years in jail.
However, the US government has recommended a sentence of 21 to 24 years.
The formal sentencing of Gupta, 54, is scheduled for May 29, 2026, before US District Judge Victor Marrero.
Earlier, Gupta admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has described Pannun, who is designated as a terrorist by India, as “a target of transnational repression”.
The FBI said the murder plot was prevented thanks to the actions of US law enforcement
“The U.S. citizen became a target of transnational repression solely for exercising their freedom of speech,” the FBI claimed, referring to Pannun.
“The message from the FBI should be clear – no matter where you are located if you try to harm our citizens we will not stop until you are brought to justice,” it added.
Prosecutors allege Gupta was directed by an Indian government official to carry out the plot. India has denied having anything to do with the alleged plot to kill Pannun.
“Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a US citizen in New York City,” said US Attorney Jay Clayton. “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.”
Pannun told BBC in a statement that “Nikhil Gupta’s guilty plea is judicial confirmation that India’s Modi Government orchestrated a structured murder-for-hire assassination plot on American soil”.
(UNI)
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