Indian national admits role in murder-for-hire plot targeting Sikh Separatist in New York
An Indian national has pleaded guilty in a US court to organizing a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh separatist leader in New York. The case has drawn global attention. It has also raised fresh questions about cross-border security and diplomatic accountability.
On Thursday, United States Department of Justice confirmed that Nikhil Gupta, 54, accepted charges linked to the conspiracy. He admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He entered his plea before a federal magistrate judge in Manhattan.
As a result, the court scheduled his sentencing for May 29, 2026. Gupta now faces up to 40 years in prison. However, the judge will decide the final punishment after reviewing all evidence and arguments.
According to prosecutors, Gupta acted under instructions from an Indian government-linked official. He allegedly worked to arrange the killing of a US citizen of Indian origin based in New York. Court documents refer to the target as “the victim.” However, investigators and media reports have widely identified him as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Pannun is a lawyer and political activist. He supports the Khalistan movement. Indian authorities have designated him as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. They accuse him of promoting violence and secession through calls for a separate Sikh state.
Meanwhile, US officials revealed how the alleged plot unfolded. In 2023, Gupta reportedly received instructions from Vikash Yadav. Court filings describe Yadav as an employee of India’s Cabinet Secretariat. This office oversees the country’s foreign intelligence wing.
Following these directions, Gupta contacted individuals he believed were hired killers. However, unknown to him, these contacts were cooperating with US authorities. Law enforcement agencies closely monitored every step of the operation.
Investigators say Gupta negotiated a payment of $100,000 for the killing. He also arranged a $15,000 advance. In addition, he shared sensitive details about the target. These included home address, phone numbers, and daily routines. Such information aimed to make the attack easier and more precise.
At the same time, Gupta reportedly tried to manage the timing. He asked an undercover officer to delay the killing. He wanted to avoid overlap with the Indian Prime Minister’s US visit in June 2023. Later, after the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, Gupta allegedly said there was no need to wait.
Meanwhile, US agencies moved quickly. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration disrupted the plot before any harm occurred. Their operation prevented the planned assassination on American soil.
In June 2023, authorities arrested Gupta in the Czech Republic. Later, in 2024, they extradited him to the United States to face trial.
The case has also created diplomatic ripples. In November 2023, New Delhi formed a high-level internal panel to review US allegations. At the time, Indian officials said they took the matter seriously. However, they also rejected claims of state-sponsored involvement.
Now, Gupta’s guilty plea adds new weight to the investigation. It strengthens the prosecution’s narrative. It also increases pressure on both governments to address unresolved concerns.
At present, Indian authorities have not issued an official response to the plea. Observers expect a formal statement soon. Until then, the case continues to shape debates on sovereignty, security, and international law enforcement cooperation.
