Sentencing for Indian national Nikhil Gupta in Pannun murder-for-hire case pushed to Nov. 20
A U.S. federal judge has moved the sentencing of Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty to a plot to kill Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, to November 20 to allow the intended victim to speak.
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero rescheduled the sentencing of Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta, moving it from September 25 to November 20, after the supposed victim sought to be heard at the proceeding. Gupta had entered guilty pleas on February 13 to murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to launder money, all linked to a plot against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Prosecutors said the victim’s statutory right to attend and be heard justified the adjournment, and Gupta’s defense raised no objection.
The case stems from an alleged $100,000 payment to a hitman who was actually an undercover U.S. agent, with the scheme reportedly orchestrated by an Indian government official identified as Vikash Yadav. Gupta was detained in the Czech Republic on June 30, 2023, and transferred to U.S. custody a year later. The upcoming sentencing will include the victim’s testimony.
Why it matters
The delay ensures the intended victim can be heard, highlighting procedural rights in high-profile international murder-for-hire cases.
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