US Prosecutes Indian Citizen in Foiled Khalistani Terrorist Assassination Plot: Unveiling Nikhil Gupta's Role

US prosecutors charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for his role in a foiled assassination attempt on Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York. Gupta faces murder-on-hire charges, agreeing to pay $100,000 for the murder. Gupta was detained in the Czech Republic, awaiting extradition to the US. India established a committee following US concerns about criminal links.

Image Source -www.apnews.com

Federal prosecutors in the US brought charges against Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, involved in an unsuccessful plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. Gupta, 52, faces murder-on-hire charges for agreeing to pay $100,000 for the assassination. US Attorney Matthew G Olsen stated this offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The charges outline Gupta's arrangement to deliver $15,000 as an advance payment for the murder in Manhattan, New York, orchestrated with an unnamed US citizen. Gupta's arrest by Czech authorities occurred pursuant to the US-Czech extradition treaty after he was identified as part of the failed assassination attempt targeting Pannun.

Also Read: Inside Koffee With Karan 8: Revelations About Kajol And Rani Mukerji's Film Choices

The US Department of Justice revealed that Gupta collaborated with a certain CC-1, hired by this individual to execute the task. Gupta's communication implied his involvement in international narcotics and weapons trafficking. The plan aimed to assassinate a US citizen of Indian origin residing in New York alleged to be Pannun.

Utilizing a confidential source, US law enforcement intervened, connecting Gupta with an undercover officer posing as a hitman. Gupta agreed to pay $100,000 for the victim's murder but was instructed not to commit the act during critical US-India governmental engagements. Furthermore, Gupta mentioned multiple targets, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, linking him to the victim.

The arrest of Gupta in the Czech Republic was in connection with his participation in the murder plot. Meanwhile, US Attorney Damian Williams emphasized zero tolerance for such threats on US soil. India established a high-level committee following the concerns raised by the US regarding criminal connections.