Indian National Admits Role in Failed Murder Plot Targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges linked to a foiled murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

Gupta, 54, admitted on Friday to three counts — murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering — before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. The charges carry a combined maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29 by US District Judge Victor Marrero.

Following the plea, US Attorney Jay Clayton said Gupta had plotted to assassinate a US citizen on American soil and would now face justice. “Our message to all nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people,” he said.

Allegations Around The Plot

According to US prosecutors, Gupta was recruited in May 2023 by co-defendant Vikash Yadav, described in court filings as an individual working for the Indian government. US authorities have alleged that Gupta coordinated the plan at Yadav’s direction — a claim India has denied.

Court documents state that Gupta allegedly contacted a person he believed to be a criminal intermediary to arrange the killing for USD 100,000. That individual was, in fact, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

In June 2023, an associate of Gupta allegedly delivered USD 15,000 in cash as an advance payment to an undercover officer. The plot was disrupted after US law enforcement intervened.

A senior FBI official said the case demonstrated that attempts at “transnational repression” would be pursued aggressively. Another official added that the arrest should serve as a warning to criminal networks attempting to target individuals in the United States.

Gupta has been in US custody since being extradited from the Czech Republic in June 2024. He was arrested there in 2023 and had initially pleaded not guilty following his extradition.

India’s Response

The Indian government has distanced itself from the alleged conspiracy, stating that such actions are contrary to official policy. After US authorities made the allegations public, New Delhi set up a high-level inquiry committee in November 2023 to examine the matter. The panel submitted its findings in January 2025 and recommended legal action, noting that the individual involved had prior criminal antecedents, though it did not publicly name any official.

Who Is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Pannun is the founder of Sikhs for Justice, an outfit that has been declared an unlawful association in India. In 2020, the Indian government designated him a terrorist under anti-terror legislation, alleging his involvement in promoting separatism and financing activities linked to the Khalistan movement.

His properties in Punjab have been attached by the National Investigation Agency.

Pannun is known for issuing video statements critical of the Indian government and for advocating a separate Khalistan state. Born in Khankot village near Amritsar, he is believed to hold a law degree from Panjab University.

The case has drawn diplomatic attention amid broader discussions between India and the United States on security cooperation and law enforcement coordination.