WASHINGTON, February 14, 2026 — In a major development for international national security, Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 54, pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court on February 13, 2026. The charges stem from a high-stakes murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist leader and U.S.-based attorney.
Key Details of the Guilty Plea
Gupta admitted to three major criminal counts before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn:
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Murder-for-hire
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Conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire
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Conspiracy to commit money laundering
He now faces a maximum potential sentence of 40 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero has scheduled the sentencing for May 29, 2026.
The Alleged Conspiracy: An Indian Government Connection
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Gupta did not act alone. Prosecutors allege the plot was orchestrated at the direction of an Indian government employee, identified in court documents as Vikash Yadav (formerly referred to as CC-1).
The scheme reportedly involved:
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Target: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and leader of Sikhs for Justice.
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Bounty: A total of $100,000 was agreed upon for the assassination.
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The Sting: Gupta unknowingly contacted an undercover U.S. agent posing as a hitman, even advancing $15,000 in cash as a down payment in June 2023.
“Nikhil Gupta thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence… But he was wrong,” stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Our message to all nefarious foreign actors should be clear: steer clear of the United States and our people.”
Links to the Nijjar Assassination in Canada
The case has drawn global attention due to its parallels with the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Court documents reveal that following Nijjar’s death, Gupta allegedly told undercover agents that “we have so many targets,” suggesting a broader campaign of transnational repression.
Diplomatic Fallout and India’s Stance
The Indian government has consistently denied official involvement, labeling the allegations “absurd” and “politically motivated.” However, the U.S. Department of Justice maintains that the evidence points to a coordinated effort by foreign agents to silence a critic on American soil.
Impact on National Security
The foiled plot has heightened tensions between the U.S., Canada, and India. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by foreign interference and the lengths to which governments may go to suppress dissent abroad.
Stay tuned to PingTV for more updates as we approach the May sentencing.
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