Federal authorities in the United States have unveiled serious charges against two individuals allegedly involved in a transnational murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting a prominent Sikh separatist.
The US Attorney's Office has charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta, 52, in connection with the plot, which authorities claim was directed by an unnamed Indian government employee. Court documents allege this official recruited Gupta to arrange the assassination of a US citizen of Indian origin who advocates for Sikh sovereignty.
The alleged conspiracy unfolded across multiple US states, with planning activities documented in both California and Pennsylvania. According to federal investigators, Gupta reportedly contacted an individual he believed to be a professional hitman to carry out the killing, though this person was actually an undercover agent for the US government.
"This case serves as a stark reminder that the United States will not tolerate efforts to silence political activists on American soil through violence," stated federal prosecutor Damian Williams in a press release.
Gupta was apprehended in the Czech Republic in June 2023 under a bilateral extradition treaty and remains in custody awaiting potential transfer to the United States. If convicted, he faces severe penalties including possible life imprisonment.
The targeted individual, whose identity remains protected in court filings, has been a vocal supporter of creating an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan, a movement that has generated significant controversy and occasional violence in India.
This development comes amid ongoing diplomatic discussions between Washington and New Delhi regarding cross-border security matters and the protection of political dissenters. The case has drawn attention to the complex intersection of international relations, domestic security, and the rights of diaspora communities to engage in political advocacy.
Legal experts suggest this prosecution could establish important precedents for how US courts handle alleged foreign-directed plots against American residents, particularly those involving complicated international jurisdictional questions.
