Indian man admits plot to kill US-based Sikh separatist leader

Nikhil Gupta, a 54-year-old Indian man, pleaded guilty to three criminal charges in federal court for plotting to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US-based Sikh separatist leader. Prosecutors allege that Gupta was directed by an Indian government official and recruited by Vikash Yadav, an employee of the Indian Cabinet Secretariat. The alleged plot involved contacting a hitman through a government informant, who introduced Gupta to a DEA undercover officer. The case has sparked international controversy as India denies involvement in both the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and the planned assassination of Pannun.