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Guptas Murder Plot Trial Delayed
Pannun Murder Plot Case in the US Postponed Until October
The ongoing murder-for-hire case against Nikhil Gupta, a man accused of orchestrating a plot to kill Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has been postponed to October 18. The delay comes after both the prosecution and defense requested additional time to review critical evidence.
Judge Postpones Hearing at Prosecution’s Request
Initially, the status conference for the case was scheduled to take place on Friday. However, at the request of both parties, Judge Victor Marrero agreed to postpone the hearing until mid-October. The Federal Prosecutor, Damian Williams, submitted a request to the judge on Thursday, arguing that more time was needed to ensure justice was served.
Williams cited the need for further discovery—the process where both sides share evidence and witness information—as the reason for the delay. Gupta’s defense team agreed to the postponement, leading Judge Marrero to issue the new date.
Speedy Trial Act Exemption Granted
The delay does not count against the timeline mandated by the Speedy Trial Act, which typically requires that a trial commence within 70 days of the defendant’s first court appearance. Judge Marrero explained that the exclusion of this time was to ensure effective counsel for Gupta and to prevent any miscarriage of justice. He further added that the value of the exclusion outweighs the public’s and the defendant’s interest in a speedy trial.
The judge hearing the case against Nikhil Gupta, who has been accused by the US in a “murder-for-hire” against a Khalistani leader, has postponed the next action to October 18
Sensitive Classified Information Involved in the Case
This case is notable due to its involvement of sensitive classified information. In July, the US Department of Justice recommended appointing a Classified Information Security Officer to manage materials related to national security in this case. These officers would have the necessary clearance to handle the classified evidence, ensuring the trial proceeds smoothly without compromising sensitive information.
Details of Nikhil Gupta’s Alleged Plot
Nikhil Gupta was arrested in June and charged with hiring a hitman to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the ‘Sikhs for Justice’ group. This organization advocates for an independent Khalistan and has been involved in various pro-separatist campaigns. Pannun, who holds dual US and Canadian citizenship, has been designated as a terrorist by the Indian government.
The prosecution alleges that Gupta had negotiated with someone he believed to be a hitman, offering a sum of $100,000 for the assassination. Gupta had even arranged an advance payment of $15,000 and provided details to identify the target. However, unbeknownst to Gupta, the “hitman” was actually an undercover law enforcement agent working with US authorities.
Arrest and Extradition of Nikhil Gupta
Nikhil Gupta’s arrest took place in the Czech Republic in June 2023, following a request by US law enforcement officials. He was subsequently extradited to New York on June 14, where he remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn. The federal facility, known for its tough conditions, is where Gupta awaits further legal proceedings. During his court appearance on June 28, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Phone Evidence Links Gupta to Indian Government Employee
In addition to the murder plot, US prosecutors also presented evidence that could implicate a link between Gupta and an Indian government employee. A phone seized from Gupta reportedly contained records of his interactions with this official, raising questions about possible further connections in the case. This new evidence is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming trial.
Next Steps in the Case
With the hearing now delayed until October 18, both the prosecution and defense will have time to review and exchange evidence before the trial proceeds. As the case develops, more information regarding the involvement of classified materials, as well as potential connections to Indian government officials, could come to light.
This high-profile case is being closely monitored, not only due to the serious charges of murder-for-hire but also because of the potential international ramifications involving India’s designation of Pannun as a terrorist and Gupta’s alleged connections to Indian officials. The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching consequences for relations between the US, India, and the global Khalistan movement.
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information and does not constitute legal advice or opinion on the case. For official details, please refer to court documents or authorized sources.
