Khalistani Terror Plot Case: Indian National Nikhil Gupta Sentenced to 24 Years; Pleads Guilty in New York Court

New York, 47 minutes ago: Indian national Nikhil Gupta has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. According to ANI, Gupta pleaded guilty on Friday in a New York court. The formal sentencing announcement will be made on May 29.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed Gupta’s guilty plea in a post on X, stating that the conspiracy aimed to assassinate a US citizen and that American agencies successfully thwarted the plot in time.

According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, Nikhil Gupta, also known as “Nick,” admitted to all three charges listed in the Second Superseding Indictment: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was designated a terrorist by the Government of India on July 1, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for promoting separatism in India.

Arrest and Extradition

Gupta was arrested by Czech Republic authorities on June 30, 2023, at the request of the United States for allegedly plotting Pannun’s assassination. He was extradited to the US on June 14, 2024. During initial proceedings in the US, Gupta had pleaded not guilty.

According to US agencies, a former Indian official, Vikas Yadav, allegedly directed Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of Pannun. The US Department of Justice claimed that an Indian government employee asked Gupta to arrange a hitman to carry out the killing. In the indictment filed in Manhattan federal court, the official was identified as “CC-1.”

Investigators allege that Gupta conspired with the Indian official to plan Pannun’s assassination in New York City.

Timeline of Events (As per the Chargesheet)

May 2023: US prosecutors claim that an Indian official (identified as Vikas Yadav) hired Nikhil Gupta.

May 29: Gupta began searching for someone to kill Pannun. However, the individual he contacted turned out to be an undercover US agent. Over several weeks, Gupta discussed methods and payment details with the agent.

June 9: Gupta allegedly sent $15,000 in cash as an advance payment to the hired hitman through an intermediary. The total deal was reportedly worth $100,000.

June 11: The Indian official allegedly told Gupta to pause the operation due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States that month. Gupta reportedly agreed that no action could be taken for 10 days to avoid protests.

June 18: Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed in Canada.

June 19: Gupta allegedly sent a video of Nijjar’s killing to the undercover agent, calling it “good news” and indicating there was no longer a need to wait.

June 24–29: Surveillance of Pannun was allegedly initiated as the plot moved forward.

June 30: Gupta was detained in the Czech Republic at the request of the US.

Developments Related to Vikas Yadav

Vikas Yadav, who was wanted in the US in connection with the case, was arrested by Delhi Police on December 18, 2023, in an unrelated case involving attempted murder and kidnapping based on a complaint by a Delhi businessman. He was granted bail in April 2024.

The FBI identified Yadav as “CC-1” and released photographs of him in Indian Army uniform, alleging he had links to India’s intelligence agency, RAW. He also faces money laundering allegations.

On October 17, 2024, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the individual named in the US indictment was no longer an employee of the Government of India.

Who is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun?

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun hails from Khankot village in Punjab and currently resides in the United States. He runs the organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and holds both US and Canadian citizenship.

In 2019, the Government of India banned SFJ under the UAPA for alleged terrorist activities. The organization was accused of promoting separatism in Punjab under the guise of holding a referendum for Sikhs. In 2020, Pannun was accused of encouraging separatism and inciting Sikh youth to take up arms. On July 1, 2020, he was officially designated a terrorist under the UAPA.

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