TOI correspondent from Washington: In a dramatic courtroom reversal, Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges in a foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Pannun, a pro-Khalistan separatist and US citizen. Gupta, 54, appearing before US magistrate judge Sarah Netburn, admitted to three counts: murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murderfor-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.The plea marks a striking turnaround from Gupta’s previous stance. Since his extradition from Czech Republic in June 2024, he had denied wrongdoing. Legal analysts suggest Gupta’s decision to plead guilty stems from overwhelming evidence amassed by federal prosecutors.

The trial, initially scheduled for March 30, was expected to feature wiretapped conversations and electronic communications directly linking him to the plot. In these recordings, Gupta allegedly negotiated a $100,000 fee with a hitman — who was an undercover US agent.

By entering a guilty plea, Nikhil Gupta avoids a high-profile trial that could have resulted in a maximum sentence of 40 years. While sentencing is ultimately at the judge’s discretion, the US govt has recommended 21 to 24 years behind bars. Senior US district judge Victor Marrero is expected to schedule a formal sentencing hearing in the coming months.Central to the indictment is Vikash Yadav, a former official in Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW).US authorities allege Yadav recruited Gupta to coordinate the assassination.A federal arrest warrant for Yadav was issued in late 2024, but he remains in India. While New Delhi confirmed Yadav is no longer employed by govt, it has not indicated willingness to extradite him.An internal Indian inquiry acknowledged the official had “criminal links” but insisted the episode was a “rogue” operation, denying statesponsored intent.Gurpatwant Singh Pannun serves as general counsel for Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a pro-Khalistan organisation. In recent months, he has been a provocative figure, organising Khalistan referendums in US cities, releasing videos calling for boycotts of Air India, and offering rewards for anti-India activities. These activities have prompted National Investigation Agency to file new terror-related charges against him.