Daijiworld Media Network - Manhattan
Manhattan, Feb 13: Nikhil Gupta, the Indian national accused in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has pleaded guilty before a US court in Manhattan.
According to reports, the 54-year-old admitted guilt on Friday to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The combined charges carry a maximum possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison.
Gupta, who has been held in a Brooklyn jail since his extradition to the United States in June last year, entered his plea before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. He had earlier pleaded not guilty after being extradited from the Czech Republic, where he was arrested in 2023.
The Government of India has consistently denied any role in the alleged conspiracy, asserting that such actions do not align with official policy.