Pannu 'murder' plot: Accused Nikhil Gupta not guilty in US Court, Czech Republic releases first video

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, has pleaded not guilty in a US court to charges related to an alleged plot to murder a pro-Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. The case has garnered significant attention due to its international implications and the ongoing tensions between pro-Khalistani activists and the Indian government. The major development in the case has come after Gupta was presented the before federal court on Monday.

#WATCH | Visuals of Nikhil Gupta who was extradited to the US

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national is accused by the United States of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

(Source: Czech police via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/r8IHL42v2s

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024

#WATCH | New York: Visuals from outside Metropolitan Detention Centre, Brooklyn where Nikhil Gupta is lodged.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national is accused by the United States of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. pic.twitter.com/1gzlSNpJrV

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

According to the sources, Gupta who was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic on Friday, was accused of being involved in a conspiracy to kill a prominent figure associated with the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh homeland and is considered a terrorist organization by the Indian government. The US authorities allege that Gupta was part of a scheme orchestrated by individuals with ties to Indian intelligence services to eliminate the pro-Khalistani activist, who resides in the United States.

During the court proceedings, Gupta maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. His defence team has argued that he was wrongly accused and that the evidence against him is insufficient to support the allegations. The case is likely to involve complex legal arguments, including issues of international law, espionage, and terrorism.

However, India has firmly denied the allegations of the plot against Pannu, saying it is against the Indian government’s policy. On the other hand, the US has alleged that Gupta was an associate of the Indian government and together plotted the assassination of Pannu in New York City.