Indian National Pleads Guilty in Foiled Plot to Assassinate Designated Terrorist

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Nikhil Gupta, a 54-year-old Indian national, pleaded guilty in a Manhattan court to charges related to a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen described as a designated terrorist associated with the banned outfit Sikh For Justice (SFJ). Gupta admitted guilt to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Why it matters

This case has raised complex questions about international relations and alleged state involvement in attempted acts of violence on foreign soil. The guilty plea and potential 40-year sentence underscore the seriousness with which US authorities are treating these allegations, which could lead to further diplomatic discussions between the US and India.

The details

According to US authorities, Gupta was accused of attempting to hire a hitman for $100,000 to carry out the assassination, allegedly at the direction of an Indian government official named Vikash Yadav. The plot was thwarted when the individual Gupta believed to be a hitman was, in fact, an undercover federal agent.

• Gupta was initially arrested in the Czech Republic in 2023 and extradited to the United States in June of last year.
• In January 2024, a high-level committee submitted a report recommending legal action against an Indian government official allegedly involved in the plot, though the official was not named.
• Gupta pleaded guilty on Friday in a Manhattan court.

What’s next

Gupta now awaits sentencing, and the details of his cooperation with authorities could influence the final outcome. Further investigations may occur, potentially focusing on the role of Vikash Yadav, though no further actions are confirmed.