Indian man pleads guilty in assassination plot against prominent Sikh separatist leader in New York

Nikhil Gupta admitted to conspiring to hire a hitman to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an American citizen and vocal critic of the Indian government.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 54-year-old man from India named Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty on Friday to three conspiracy charges related to a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist leader living in New York City. Gupta admitted to paying $15,000 online in 2023 to someone he thought was a hitman, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer, to carry out the killing of Pannun, who is an American citizen and advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about foreign actors plotting to silence critics of the Indian government on American soil. U.S. authorities have warned that they will not tolerate such assassination attempts against American citizens, even if directed by foreign adversaries.

The details

According to court papers, Gupta coordinated with an Indian government employee who directed him to carry out the killing of Pannun. Gupta told the undercover officer posing as a hitman that the June 2023 killing of another Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, outside a temple in Canada was also part of the same plot. Gupta pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement that calls for him to serve at least 20 years in prison.

  • Gupta paid $15,000 online in 2023 to the undercover officer he thought was a hitman.
  • Gupta was extradited to the United States in June 2023 from the Czech Republic, where he was arrested in Prague.
  • Gupta's sentencing is set for May 29.

The players

Nikhil Gupta

A 54-year-old man from India who pleaded guilty to three conspiracy charges related to a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

A prominent Sikh separatist leader living in New York City who advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.

Jay Clayton

The U.S. Attorney who warned that anyone abroad should steer clear of plotting to kill Americans in the United States.

James C. Barnacle Jr.

The head of New York's FBI office who said Gupta coordinated with an Indian government employee to carry out the killing.

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What they’re saying

“Our message to nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people.”

— Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney (wral.com)

“I'm not a terrorist. I'm a Sikh who as a human rights lawyer is campaigning to turn Punjab into a place where all religions will have equal rights.”

— Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (wral.com)

“The Indian government cannot shield itself behind this operational foot soldier because the command, the direction and the funds are authorized by the Indian government.”

— Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (wral.com)

What’s next

Gupta's sentencing is set for May 29.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Indian government and Sikh separatist groups, and the willingness of some foreign actors to target critics of the Indian government even on American soil. It underscores the importance of U.S. authorities remaining vigilant against such assassination plots.