In a dramatic development in a high-profile international assassination plot, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, has been formally convicted in a New York federal court for conspiring to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The court has set May 29 as the date to determine his sentence, with a potential maximum of 40 years behind bars.
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero officially pronounced Gupta guilty after reviewing transcripts of his communications. This follows Gupta’s own admission last week, where the 54-year-old confessed to agreeing to orchestrate Pannun’s killing in the U.S. in 2023. He detailed paying $15,000 in cash to a hitman in Manhattan, fully aware the target was in New York.
Gupta pleaded guilty to charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Federal statutes allow up to 10 years per count for the murder plot—totaling 20 years—and an additional 20 years for money laundering, capping the maximum at 40 years.
However, sentencing will follow advisory federal guidelines, which initially estimated 235 to 293 months (about 20 to 24 years) based on pre-plea assessments. Judge Marrero emphasized that these are merely advisory, and the final decision will hinge on a thorough review of the investigation report.
The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 29. Gupta, who confirmed his Indian citizenship in court, faces certain deportation upon conviction, as required for non-citizens found guilty of such grave offenses. This case underscores the long arm of U.S. justice in cross-border criminal conspiracies, sending a clear message to would-be plotters.
As the world watches, this conviction could have ripple effects on India-U.S. relations, given the alleged involvement of Indian officials earlier in the probe. Gupta’s guilty plea marks a pivotal closure to the investigative phase, shifting focus squarely to punishment.