According to the US Justice Department, a government official from India allegedly organized an unsuccessful plan to assassinate a Sikh separatist within the United States.
The accused orchestrator, Nikhil Gupta, aged 52, reportedly collaborated with this Indian official, who held security and intelligence duties, aiming to eliminate a New York City resident advocating for a sovereign Sikh state in northern India.
Although neither the Indian official nor the intended victim were named in the charges, Gupta, who was apprehended by Czech authorities in June, awaits extradition. As of now, he hasn’t provided any comment.
Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, highlighted that Gupta, from India, allegedly conspired to assassinate a US citizen in New York City advocating for Sikh sovereignty. The Indian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comments on this matter.
These charges followed a recent revelation by a senior Biden administration official, indicating the prevention of an assassination plot targeting a Sikh separatist in the US. There were concerns raised about India’s potential involvement, and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual citizen of the US and Canada, was identified as the alleged target.
While not naming Gupta’s alleged target, prosecutors described the individual as a vocal critic of the Indian government, leading a US-based group advocating for Punjab state’s secession, which houses a substantial Sikh population.
Allegedly recruited by the official in May 2023, Gupta reportedly confessed his past involvement in drug and weapon trafficking. He then contacted someone he believed could assist in hiring a hitman, who, unbeknownst to Gupta, was an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The day after the purported assassination, Gupta corresponded with the undercover agent, mentioning that the victim was among multiple targets, as per prosecutors.
Facing charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy, Gupta could potentially receive a maximum sentence of 20 years if found guilty.
