Gurpatwant Singh Pannu Assassination Case: Czech Republic Court Orders Nikhil Gupta's Extradition To US

Nikhil Gupta, a 52-year-old Indian and prime accused in the Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu assassination case, will be extradited to the United States, a Czech Republic Court ordered on Friday. Nikhil Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic on June 30.

The US alleged that Nikhil in association with Indian government officials conspired to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a terrorist and leader of Sikhs for Justice, a pro-Khalistan that advocates for an independent Sikh state to be formed out of India's Punjab.

According to the ministry spokesperson, the decision on Gupta's extradition has been pronounced by Justice Minister Pavel Blazek.

"The defendant conspired from India to assassinate, right here in New York City, a US citizen of Indian origin who has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs," Reuters quoted federal prosecutor Damian Williams.

According to Seznam Zprávy, Gupta's defense centers around a claim of mistaken identity, contending that he is not the person sought by US authorities. The defense also characterizes the case as politically motivated.

Gupta has reportedly admitted involvement in criminal activities, discussing with undercover agents his history in drug and weapon trafficking, according to prosecutors. He is charged with two counts of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. If convicted, he could potentially face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

As per statements from US officials, Gupta had allegedly committed to providing $100,000 for the purpose of hiring an assassin, having already made an initial payment of $15,000 on June 9, 2023. Nevertheless, the person he approached for the contract turned out to be an informant cooperating with US law enforcement.