Washington’s federal courts have delivered a stern verdict in the sensational plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh activist. Nikhil Gupta, accused of masterminding the scheme, was declared guilty on February 17, paving the way for sentencing on May 29, where he could receive up to 40 years in prison.
Judge Victor Marrero, after scrutinizing evidence presented by Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, upheld Gupta’s culpability. The Indian national had already entered a guilty plea, admitting he greenlit Pannun’s murder on American soil last year and handed over $15,000 to an assassin positioned in Manhattan.
Details from court proceedings reveal Gupta’s intimate knowledge of the operation: he knew the victim was in New York and coordinated payments accordingly. The charges—conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering—carry severe penalties under U.S. law, combining for a possible 40-year term.
Sentencing guidelines suggest 19.5 to 24.5 years, but the judge holds final say after evaluating all reports. This non-binding framework allows flexibility based on mitigating factors or the crime’s gravity.
Gupta’s acknowledgment of his nationality seals his post-sentence fate: deportation from the U.S. This landmark ruling highlights America’s commitment to protecting dissidents on its soil, regardless of foreign origins. As May 29 approaches, anticipation builds over whether Judge Marrero will impose the maximum, setting a precedent for similar transnational threats.