Indian National Charged with Plot to Kill Sikh Political Activist in the U.S.

Washington — Federal prosecutors in New York have charged an Indian national with an alleged plot to kill a Sikh political activist living in the U.S. This explosive case could potentially have broader ramifications for relations between the two allies, particularly in light of allegations of a similar plot in Canada.

Nikhil Gupta, a resident of India, is facing two counts of murder-for-hire and conspiracy. He was arrested in Europe over the summer and is currently awaiting extradition.

According to court documents unsealed on Tuesday, investigators in the Southern District of New York claim that Gupta was recruited by an unnamed Indian government official who purported to be a member of the nation's intelligence community. Acting under the official's instructions, Gupta and another unidentified individual attempted to hire a hitman to assassinate the target, described in the charging documents as a vocal critic of the Indian government and a staunch advocate for a Sikh sovereign state in the region. The activist had been banned from India due to his separatist views and now resides in the U.S., as stated in the court papers.

The alleged assassination plot

The alleged conspiracy began in May 2023, according to court papers, with Gupta and the intelligence official even meeting in New Delhi to discuss the planned assassination.

"We will hit our all Targets," Gupta allegedly wrote in a text message to the Indian intelligence officer.

Court records describe an alleged video call between Gupta and the U.S. source, in which Gupta suggested they pose as a potential client for the victim, who is a lawyer, in an attempt "to lure the Victim to a place where he could be more easily executed."

"Finish him brother finish him," Gupta allegedly told the federal informant, "push these guys…finish the job." He later urged the crew he was allegedly working with to "calm down" during an anticipated period of high-level diplomatic talks between the U.S. and India.

Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30, court papers said. The two charges in New York each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Amid increasing tensions between the U.S., Canada, and India, an arrest has been made in connection with a plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously accused the Indian government of being involved in the murder of another Sikh separatist leader in Canada. The Indian government has denied any involvement in the killing.

The arrestee, identified as Gupta, is accused of planning to kill an Indian Sikh activist in New York. U.S. prosecutors claim that Gupta was motivated by the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot and killed in British Columbia. Gupta allegedly expressed his desire to have personally conducted the killing.

The Financial Times recently reported on the plot, naming the intended victim as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-Canadian dual national considered a terrorist by the Indian government. U.S. officials have spoken with their Indian counterparts about the allegations.