What we know about the US case against Nikhil Gupta
The case has drawn attention due to allegations that the plot was linked to an intelligence operative of the Indian government
An Indian national pleaded guilty in a US federal court on (13 February 2026) to charges related to a plot to assassinate a US citizen in New York.
The case has drawn attention due to allegations that the plot was linked to an intelligence operative of the Indian government, says Wire India.
Here is what we know about the case and the legal process ahead.
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Who is Nikhil Gupta?
Nikhil Gupta is an Indian national and a graduate of Delhi University. He has been in US custody for nearly three years.
After being arrested abroad, Gupta was extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic in 2024. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
What did Gupta plead guilty to?
Gupta entered a guilty plea in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
- He pleaded guilty to three felony counts:
- Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
- The substantive act of murder for hire
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
To expedite proceedings, Gupta consented to enter his plea before a Magistrate Judge rather than a District Judge. He told the court he had discussed the "pros and cons" of this decision and the charges in detail with his attorney before the hearing.
What did he admit in court?
During the hearing, Gupta provided a firsthand account of his role in the plot. He chose to speak in English despite the availability of Hindi interpreters.
His admissions included:
- The agreement: In the spring of 2023, he agreed with another individual to carry out the murder of a person in the United States.
- The payment arrangement: While in India, he used a cellular phone to arrange the delivery of $15,000 in cash to an individual in the United States as part of the plan.
- Knowledge of location: He confirmed that he knew both the intended recipient of the money and the target were in New York, specifically identifying Queens as the location.
What sentence does he face?
The three counts to which Gupta pleaded guilty carry a combined statutory maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
According to government sentencing guidelines, the suggested range is 235 to 293 months — approximately 19.5 to 23.5 years.
He also faces potential fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.
What happens next?
The court has set a "control date" of (15 May 2026) to ensure completion of the pre-sentence investigation report.
Final sentencing is scheduled for (29 May 2026), before District Judge Victor Marrero in the Southern District of New York.
Until then, Gupta will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn.
