Indian national confesses to killing Sikh leader in US

An Indian national named Nikhil Gupta has confessed to his involvement in a conspiracy to kill Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States.

The 54-year-old man confessed in a New York court on Friday (February 13) that he was involved in the process of hiring a professional killer or 'hitman' to kill Pannun in 2023.

US prosecutors claim that an Indian government official is linked to the assassination plan, although Delhi has always denied this allegation.

In court, Nikhil Gupta told Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn that he sent $15,000 online from India in 2023 to a person he thought was the killer. But the person was actually a confidential source for the US drug control agency Drug Enforcement Administration.

James C. Barnacle, head of the FBI's New York office, said Nikhil Gupta planned the murder on the orders of an Indian government official. The US indictment names the official as Vikas Yadav, who is currently on the run.

Nikhil Gupta was arrested at Prague airport in the Czech Republic in June 2023 and later extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit 'murder for hire' and 'money laundering'. According to the court's legal guidelines, he could be sentenced to 20 to 24 years in prison. His sentencing date is set for May 29.

A large number of Sikh supporters gathered outside the court on Friday (February 13) to watch the hearing of this sensational case. They chanted slogans in support of 'Khalistan'.

On the other hand, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is listed as a 'terrorist' in India, said in an interview that he will continue his movement even after this incident. He claims to be a human rights lawyer and says he is ready to give his life for the freedom of Punjab.

He calls Nikhil Gupta a mere 'soldier' ​​of this conspiracy and demands that high-ranking officials of the Indian government be brought to justice.

Source: Al Jazeera.