Indian man pleads guilty in murder-for-hire case of US-based Sikh separatist

Nikhil Gupta admitted to paying $15,000 to a person he believed was a hitman to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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An Indian citizen named Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a New York federal court to three charges tied to a plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Sikh separatist and the founder of the group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Gupta was arrested in June 2023 in the Czech Republic and later extradited to the US.

Why it matters

The Indian government considers SFJ, which advocates for the secession of the Indian state of Punjab to form an independent country called Khalistan, to be a 'terrorist' group. This case highlights the tensions between the Indian government and Sikh separatist groups operating outside of India.

The details

Nikhil Gupta, 54, admitted to paying $15,000 to a person he believed was a hitman to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). US prosecutors claim that Gupta was directed by an Indian government official to carry out the plot to murder Pannun, who regularly makes violent threats to India on social media. India has denied any role in the alleged plot to murder the separatist.

  • Gupta was arrested in June 2023 in the Czech Republic.
  • Gupta was later extradited to the US.

The players

Nikhil Gupta

A 54-year-old Indian citizen who pleaded guilty to plotting the murder of a US-based Sikh separatist.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The founder of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a group that advocates for the secession of the Indian state of Punjab to form an independent country called Khalistan.

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)

A group that advocates for the secession of the Indian state of Punjab to form an independent country called Khalistan, which the Indian government considers a 'terrorist' organization.

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What they’re saying

“Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a US citizen in New York City. He thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice.”

— Jay Clayton, US attorney (globalvillagespace.com)

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Indian government and Sikh separatist groups operating outside of India, as well as the risks of individuals attempting to carry out murder-for-hire plots across international borders.