An Indian man accused of plotting to kill a Sikh separatist leader in New York City has pleaded guilty to three criminal charges in a federal court.
Nikhil Gupta, 54, admitted to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces up to 40 years in prison.
The target of the alleged plot, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is an American citizen who advocates for Khalistan. The Khalistan movement calls for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India.
Prosecutors allege Gupta was directed by an Indian government official to carry out the plot. India denies having anything to do with the alleged plot to kill Pannun.
“Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a US citizen in New York City,” said US Attorney Jay Clayton. “He thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice.”
The BBC has contacted Gupta’s lawyer for comment.
In a statement to the BBC, Pannun said that “Nikhil Gupta’s guilty plea is judicial confirmation that India’s Modi Government orchestrated a structured murder-for-hire assassination plot on American soil”.
India has labelled Pannun a terrorist, though he denies the allegation, claiming to be an activist advocating for Khalistan.
Sikhs are a religious minority that make up about 2% of India’s population. Some groups have long called for a separate homeland for Sikhs called Khalistan.
The movement is not prominent in India now with most major political parties, including in Punjab, opposing such calls. But supporters in the Sikh diaspora have continued to advocate for Khalistan.