Indian Man Nikhil Gupta Pleads Guilty in Failed Assassination Plot in New York

An Indian national has pleaded guilty in a United States federal court to planning a failed assassination of a Sikh activist in New York, according to prosecutors.

The case has drawn global attention due to allegations of a wider pattern of attacks against Sikh figures overseas.

Who Is Nikhil Gupta?

The accused, Nikhil Gupta, admitted in court that he helped organize the plot to kill a U.S. citizen.

Prosecutors said Gupta acted as part of a murder-for-hire plan.
They claimed he was working at the direction of an individual linked to the Indian government.

The Indian government has strongly denied any involvement.

Target Was a Sikh Activist

The intended target was Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen and Sikh separatist leader.

Pannun is a lawyer associated with Sikhs for Justice, a New York–based organization that campaigns for an independent Sikh state in Punjab.

Indian authorities have previously labeled the group as extremist.

Guilty Plea in U.S. Court

Gupta appeared in federal court in New York, where he pleaded guilty to all three charges filed against him.

These include:

• Murder-for-hire

• Conspiracy to commit murder

• A related criminal conspiracy charge

Under U.S. federal sentencing guidelines, prosecutors said Gupta could face up to 24 years in prison.

Extradited From India in 2024

Gupta was living in India before his arrest.

He was extradited to the United States in 2024 to stand trial.

Prosecutors said the case reflects a growing concern about threats to Sikh activists abroad, including past incidents in Canada.

Wider International Concerns

U.S. officials have linked the case to a broader pattern of alleged targeting of Sikh separatists outside India.

The developments may further strain diplomatic relations between Washington and New Delhi.

Indian officials have repeatedly said they do not support or authorize violence outside their borders.