NIkhil Gupta, accused in a murder-for-hire case against Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, claims his family has made several requests for government assistance. Despite his situation, Gupta says no one from India has reached out to offer support during his imprisonment in the USA.
BY PC Bureau
NIkhil Gupta, who is accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot targeting Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the USA, has expressed frustration over the lack of support from the Indian government.
Despite his family’s multiple requests for assistance, Gupta, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, claims no official contact from Indian authorities. Gupta, 53, was extradited from the Czech Republic to the USA last year, where he faces serious charges including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and money laundering.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Gupta spoke candidly about his difficult experience in prison. “Life as a prisoner is never easy, but the life of an innocent man who has been falsely accused and imprisoned far from home, away from his family, is nothing short of horrific,” he said. Despite the emotional strain, Gupta tried to stay strong for his family.
He mentioned that he is allowed to call his loved ones in India at least once a month. Gupta’s case has attracted significant attention, especially since his extradition, and the legal proceedings against him are still ongoing.
Regarding the accusations, Gupta denied knowing Vikas Yadav, another key figure in the case, and rejected any involvement in the conspiracy, describing the name as common. Yadav, also charged in the plot, is accused of murder-for-hire and conspiracy, both of which could lead to significant prison sentences. Indian officials have denied any involvement in the plot against Pannun, adding complexity to the situation.
