Indian man charged by US in Sikh separatist killing plot

The United States charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a pro-Khalistan leader in New York

By News Report
November 30, 2023
A Secret Service officer mans his post on the roof of the White House is seen on October 29, 2008 in Washington, DC.  . — AFP
A Secret Service officer mans his post on the roof of the White House is seen on October 29, 2008 in Washington, DC.  . — AFP

NEW YORK: The United States has charged Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate a pro-Khalistan leader in New York.

The target remains unnamed in court documents. The indictment suggests that Gupta, directed by an Indian government employee, orchestrated the murder-for-hire plot from India. 

US Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We will not tolerate efforts to assassinate US citizens on US soil.”

The White House, having raised the issue with the Indian government at the “senior-most levels,” noted India’s response with “surprise and concern.”

The case adds a layer of complexity to longstanding tensions surrounding demands for a separate Sikh homeland, known as Khalistan, by Sikh leaders.