Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen accused of plotting the failed assassination of pro-Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in New York, will face justice in an American court. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 last year and extradited to the US on June 14. He appeared in a federal court in New York on Monday.
Who is Nikhil Gupta?
Nikhil Gupta, the Indian national accused of conspiring to assassinate pro-Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu in New York, will face justice in an American court. US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the US will not tolerate attempts to harm its citizens and will not remain silent on this matter.
Arrested on June 30
Nikhil Gupta, accused of plotting Pannu’s assassination, was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30 last year. Following his extradition to the US on June 14, he appeared in a federal court in New York on Monday. Gupta pleaded not guilty. The case has been assigned to US District Judge Victor Marrero, with the next hearing scheduled for June 28.
US Government’s Allegations
According to US authorities, CC-1 recruited Gupta in May to plan the assassination of Pannu, a vocal critic of the Indian government and leader of a US-based organization advocating for Punjab’s secession. Under CC-1’s direction, Gupta contacted a confidential DEA source to hire a hitman. The hitman, who was actually an undercover DEA officer, was promised USD 100,000 by CC-1 in a deal facilitated by Gupta.
Transfer of Personal Information
In June, CC-1 provided Gupta with Pannu’s personal details, including his address in New York City, phone numbers, and information about his daily routine. Gupta then relayed this information to the undercover officer. CC-1 instructed Gupta to keep them updated on the assassination plot’s progress. After the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June, Gupta informed the undercover officer that there was “now no need to wait” to kill Pannu.
Possible 10-Year Sentences
Prosecutors have charged Nikhil with hiring an assassin and conspiring to murder Pannu. If found guilty on both counts, he could face up to 10 years in prison for each charge. FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized that the agency will not tolerate any attempt to interfere with the constitutional right to free expression.
Family’s Petition and Legal Proceedings
The Czech authorities arrested Gupta on June 30, under the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Gupta is charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, each offense carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
In December 2023, Gupta’s family filed a petition seeking the Indian government’s intervention in the extradition proceedings initiated by the US. The petition claimed Gupta was being unlawfully detained in Prague and, as a law-abiding citizen, feared for his life. It also mentioned “grave violations of fundamental rights,” including “forced consumption of beef and pork,” which he found offensive as a “devout Hindu and vegetarian.”
Defense Claims
Gupta, through his lawyer, has denied the charges, asserting that he has been “unfairly charged.” His lawyer, Rohini Musa, submitted a petition to the Indian Supreme Court, arguing that her client is being unjustly prosecuted without any evidence connecting him to the alleged assassination plot. Musa also argued that Gupta received biased legal counsel from a Czech government-appointed attorney “under the undue influence of US agencies” during his initial detention.
Czech Court’s Decision
Last month, a Czech court dismissed Gupta’s petition to avoid extradition to the US, allowing the Czech justice minister to proceed with his extradition.
Charges Against Nikhil Gupta
According to court documents, an employee of the Indian government (CC-1) conspired with Nikhil Gupta and others to assassinate Pannu in India. Nikhil, an Indian national, is also accused of international drug and arms trafficking. Federal prosecutors allege that CC-1 persuaded Nikhil to orchestrate Pannu’s murder in May last year.
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