Gurpatwant Pannun Murder Plot: Nikhil Gupta Pleads Not Guilty to Murder-for-Hire Charges in US Court

Nikhil Gupta, extradited from the Czech Republic, faces charges of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh extremist on American soil. He pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, has pleaded not guilty to charges of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting a Sikh extremist in the United States. Gupta's plea was entered by his attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, during his arraignment in a Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge James Cott.

Gupta was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic on June 14. He is being held in a Brooklyn detention facility. Charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, Gupta faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each charge if convicted.

The next court hearing in Gupta's case is scheduled for June 28. Judge Victor Marrero will preside over the status conference.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that Gupta's extradition highlights the Justice Department's commitment to protecting American citizens from harm. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco praised the cooperation with Czech authorities, calling the extradition a significant step toward justice. US Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York echoed these sentiments, affirming the government's resolve to prosecute those who threaten US citizens.

Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic last year at the US government's request. He is accused of plotting to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who holds dual American and Canadian citizenship.

India has denied any involvement in the alleged plot and has launched a high-level investigation. Gupta's attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, urged caution, stating, "It is extremely important that we refrain from rushing to conclusions so early in the process. Background and details will develop that may cast government allegations into an entirely new light." He assured that Gupta's defense would be pursued vigorously, ensuring due process.

Federal prosecutors allege that Gupta was acting on orders from an unnamed Indian government official. Reports from The Washington Post in April suggested that Vikram Yadav, an officer of India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), and former R&AW chief Samant Goel were involved in sanctioning the operation. India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed these claims as baseless.

The Czech Republic Police released a video showing Gupta's extradition from Prague airport. The footage highlights the cooperation between Czech and US authorities in facilitating the extradition. Gupta was arrested after traveling from India to Prague last year, with Czech justice minister Pavel Blazek approving the extradition on June 3 based on the murder-for-hire conspiracy charges.

This case continues to unfold as more details emerge, and the upcoming court hearings are expected to shed further light on the allegations against Nikhil Gupta and the involvement of any Indian officials.