A federal courtroom in Manhattan witnessed a dramatic guilty plea from Nikhil Gupta, a 54-year-old Indian citizen implicated in a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh activist in New York. On February 14, Gupta stood before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn and accepted responsibility for three grave charges.
Recounting events from spring 2023, Gupta confessed to conspiring with an associate to eliminate a Queens resident—a vocal Khalistan supporter. He verified paying $15,000 cash in Manhattan to an intermediary positioned in the U.S., knowing the full details of the target’s whereabouts.
The indictment painted a picture of international intrigue, naming co-conspirators tied to India’s government apparatus. Prosecutors boasted of their arsenal: a confidential informant posing as a hitman, recorded communications, phone forensics, and footage capturing the bribe exchange.
With the plea accepted by Judge Victor Marrero upon recommendation, Gupta awaits sentencing on May 29, 2026. Maximum penalties total 40 years in federal prison, though guidelines consider mitigating factors like his cooperation. Deportation looms large for the Indian national.
This development averts a protracted trial that could strain U.S.-India relations, highlighting America’s vigilance against transnational threats. The case will influence how courts balance punishment with broader justice considerations, from deterrence to rehabilitation.