India, Feb. 14 -- Indian national Nikhil Gupta has pleaded guilty to plotting the assassination of pro-Khalistan separatist and US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who lives in New York City, the US attorney's office for the southern district of New York confirmed.

"Nikhil Gupta plotted to assassinate a US citizen in New York City," US attorney Jay Clayton told HT, "He thought that from outside this country he could kill someone in it without consequence, simply for exercising their American right to free speech. But he was wrong, and he will face justice."

Gupta has remained in custody in Brooklyn without bail since he was extradited from the Czech Republic in June 2024.

The 54-year-old admitted guilt on three counts: murder-for-hire,...