| 1. Nikhil Gupta, an Indian citizen, faced charges from the US Justice Department on 30 June 2023 regarding his alleged involvement in the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader in New York, and a US citizen of Indian origin. |
| 2. The US Department accused Nikhil Gupta of participating in international activities related to drugs and weapons. |
| 3. In May 2023, an associate allegedly recruited Nikhil to organize the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen of Indian origin and a Sikh separatist leader in New York. |
| 4. Nikhil sought help from a person he thought was a criminal partner to hire a hitman in New York, but both were cooperating with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). |
| 5. By June, Nikhil obtained information about the target and shared it with the presumed hitman, also identifying Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada as another target, among others. |
| 6. On 30 June 2023, Nikhil was arrested by Czech authorities when he traveled from India to the Czech Republic, based on the extradition agreement between the United States and the Czech Republic. |
| 7. Another individual from India was mentioned in the press release, collaborating with Nikhil and others in different countries in the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an attorney and political activist residing in New York City. |
| 8. As of 2023, Nikhil remains in a prison in Prague, awaiting extradition to the United States. |
| 9. A family member, Mr. X, filed a petition, urging the top court to intervene and involve India in the case, claiming Gupta’s detention was "illegal" and raising concerns about his safety. |
| 10. Mr. X highlighted in the petition that Gupta, a Hindu and vegetarian, was allegedly compelled to consume beef and pork against his religious beliefs while in Czech custody, as well as being denied communication with his family in India, consular access, and the ability to seek legal representation. |
| 11. Nikhil Gupta, also known as 'Nick,' described himself as an international dealer in narcotics and weapons. |
| 12. Gupta was extradited from the Czech Republic to the United States following his arrest in June 2023. |
| 13. US prosecutors allege Gupta coordinated the plan in 2023, believing he was hiring a hitman who was in fact an undercover officer, and that he acted at the direction of Vikash Yadav, described in court filings as an Indian government employee at the time. |
| 14. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence between 21 and 24 years in prison, a detail often indicating cooperation with investigators. |
| 15. Gupta is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero on May 29, 2026. |
