English
English
English
Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, pleaded guilty to three charges including conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering in a Manhattan federal court.
US Court Hears Case of Conspiracy to Kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannu
New York: Nikhil Gupta, accused of conspiring to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in the United States, has pleaded guilty in court. Gupta pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to three serious charges, including conspiracy to commit murder for money and money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
54-year-old Nikhil Gupta confessed his crime before Judge Sarah Netburn. Gupta was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic in June 2024. Previously, when arrested in the Czech Republic in 2023, he had pleaded not guilty. However, he has now admitted his guilty actions in a US court.
US officials say Gupta and his associates planned to carry out Khalistani activities in the US and Canada. This case has also drawn attention to bilateral relations between India and the US. However, the Indian government has categorically denied this and stated that it has nothing to do with India. Officials say such activities are against Indian policy.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannu is a New York-based lawyer who runs the pro-Khalistani organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The Indian government has designated him a terrorist. Pannu is accused of funding violence and spreading extremist views.
Pannu was born in Khankot village near Amritsar and studied law at Punjab University. Pannu frequently makes headlines for openly threatening India and Indians. He even threatened to endanger Air India flights.
According to reports, this assassination plot began in May 2023. An Indian government employee is also said to be involved. This case holds serious legal and diplomatic significance in the United States.
If the court convicts Nikhil Gupta, he could face a maximum of 40 years in prison. Gupta's confession will allow the trial to proceed expeditiously. This will also help monitor Khalistani activities and their networks.
The case is considered to be of security and legal importance to both India and the United States, as it involves issues related to terrorism, money laundering, and international cooperation.
