Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty in a US federal court in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting a Khalistani separatist leader. The development marks a major turnaround in the case, as Gupta had earlier pleaded not guilty and was preparing to face trial.

Gupta, 54, entered his guilty plea on Friday before US Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in a Manhattan federal court. He admitted guilt on three serious charges — murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges are linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen and a prominent pro-Khalistan figure.

The case has gained international attention because of its political and diplomatic sensitivity. According to the US government, Gupta was part of a plan to hire a contract killer to murder Pannun in the United States. However, the plot was stopped before any harm was done, as US authorities uncovered the plan during the investigation.

In June 2024, Gupta was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic. He was arrested in Prague in 2023 and later sent to the US after legal proceedings. Once in the US, he initially denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. His sudden decision to plead guilty is being seen as a major shift in the case.

The trial was scheduled to begin on March 30, and prosecutors were expected to present key evidence, including electronic communications and wiretap recordings. These recordings reportedly included conversations in which Gupta negotiated payment for the killing. Prosecutors said Gupta offered $100,000 to a person he believed was a hired killer. However, the supposed hitman was actually an undercover federal agent, which helped authorities gather proof and prevent the murder attempt.

Under US law, the charges carry heavy punishment. Gupta could face up to 40 years in prison if sentenced to the maximum term. However, as part of the plea agreement, US prosecutors have recommended a prison sentence of 21 to 24 years, which is nearly half the maximum possible sentence.

The final decision on the sentence will be taken by Senior US District Judge Victor Marrero. The sentencing hearing is expected to be held in May 2026.

The case also involves another accused individual, Vikash Yadav, who has been described by US authorities as a former official linked to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). According to US prosecutors, Yadav recruited Gupta and directed him in planning the murder plot.

A federal warrant has been issued for Yadav’s arrest, but he remains in India. Indian authorities have reportedly stated that Yadav is no longer employed by the government and have not agreed to extradite him to the United States. An internal inquiry in India reportedly found that Yadav had “criminal links” but described the incident as a “rogue operation” and not a state-backed plan.

The alleged target, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leads the organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which advocates for a separate Sikh homeland called Khalistan. India has strongly opposed the Khalistan movement and has designated Pannun as a terrorist under Indian law.

Pannun has been active in campaigning for Khalistan through international events and public statements, which have made him a controversial figure. His name has appeared in several legal and political discussions related to separatist activities.

Gupta’s guilty plea is expected to strengthen the US government’s case and may have wider implications, especially as the investigation continues into other possible individuals involved. The case remains closely watched due to its cross-border nature and its impact on relations between India and the United States.