TOI correspondent from Washington: In a dramatic courtroom reversal, Indian nationwide Nikhil Gupta pleaded responsible Friday to federal prices in a foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Pannun, a pro-Khalistan separatist and US citizen. Gupta, 54, showing earlier than US Justice of the Peace decide Sarah Netburn, admitted to 3 counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murderfor-hire, and conspiracy to commit cash laundering.The plea marks a putting turnaround from Gupta’s earlier stance. Since his extradition from Czech Republic in June 2024, he had denied wrongdoing. Authorized analysts counsel Gupta’s resolution to plead responsible stems from overwhelming proof amassed by federal prosecutors. The trial, initially scheduled for March 30, was anticipated to characteristic wiretapped conversations and digital communications instantly linking him to the plot. In these recordings, Gupta allegedly negotiated a $100,000 price with a hitman — who was an undercover US agent.
By coming into a responsible plea, Nikhil Gupta avoids a high-profile trial that might have resulted in a most sentence of 40 years. Whereas sentencing is finally on the decide’s discretion, the US govt has beneficial 21 to 24 years behind bars. Senior US district decide Victor Marrero is predicted to schedule a proper sentencing listening to within the coming months.Central to the indictment is Vikash Yadav, a former official in Analysis and Evaluation Wing (R&AW).US authorities allege Yadav recruited Gupta to coordinate the assassination.A federal arrest warrant for Yadav was issued in late 2024, however he stays in India. Whereas New Delhi confirmed Yadav is not employed by govt, it has not indicated willingness to extradite him.An inner Indian inquiry acknowledged the official had “prison hyperlinks” however insisted the episode was a “rogue” operation, denying statesponsored intent.Gurpatwant Singh Pannun serves as normal counsel for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation. In current months, he has been a provocative determine, organising Khalistan referendums in US cities, releasing movies calling for boycotts of Air India, and providing rewards for anti-India actions. These actions have prompted Nationwide Investigation Company to file new terror-related prices towards him.
