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New York, February 14, 2026 : In a major development in a high-profile international case, Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to charges linked to a foiled murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting US-based Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
According to the US Department of Justice, Gupta, 54, admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges carry a combined maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 29, 2026.
Details of the Conspiracy
Prosecutors revealed that Gupta coordinated with co-defendant Vikash Yadav to arrange the assassination. Yadav, identified in court filings as linked to an Indian security service, allegedly recruited Gupta to manage logistics.
Gupta believed he was negotiating with criminal associates to hire a hitman. In reality, he was interacting with a DEA confidential source and an undercover law enforcement officer posing as the assassin. The conspirators agreed to a $100,000 contract, with $15,000 in cash delivered in June 2023 as an advance payment.
Evidence presented included electronic communications, surveillance records, and details of Pannun’s personal routines that were shared as part of the plot. Pannun, a US citizen and vocal advocate for Khalistan, has long been under security watch due to threats linked to his activism.
Arrest and Diplomatic Fallout
Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic in June 2023 and extradited to the United States in 2024 to face trial. While he initially denied the charges, his guilty plea marks a significant reversal in legal strategy.
The case has strained India–US relations, with Washington alleging Gupta acted at the direction of an Indian government employee. India has denied official involvement, calling the plot the work of rogue elements and stating that an internal inquiry is underway.
Broader Implications
US authorities emphasized that the prosecution underscores a firm stance against transnational repression and attempts to silence political dissidents on American soil. Legal experts note that while a guilty plea reduces trial uncertainty, sentencing will depend on judicial assessment of intent, cooperation, and impact.
The co-defendant Yadav remains at large, reportedly outside US jurisdiction. Diplomatic circles continue to monitor the case closely, viewing it as a test of international law enforcement cooperation and the protection of political activists abroad.
