Federal prosecutors are pushing for a severe prison term, describing the targeted hit on a Sikh separatist leader as a brazen cross-border scheme. The defense is seeking leniency by citing a probation department recommendation and arguing the defendant was manipulated by promises to clear existing legal troubles. Nikhil Gupta, who was extradited from Prague in 2024 and is held in Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to charges carrying a maximum term of around 40 years. Standard credits for taking responsibility and maintaining good behavior could ultimately allow him to serve roughly 80 percent of his final awarded sentence.
Key points
The defendant admitted guilt to avoid trial, potentially securing a two- to three-level s…: The defendant admitted guilt to avoid trial, potentially securing a two- to three-level sentencing credit for accepting responsibility.
A statutory sentence of roughly 40 years applies to the combined charges to which the 54-…: A statutory sentence of roughly 40 years applies to the combined charges to which the 54-year-old defendant pleaded guilty.
Federal sentencing rules allow inmates serving terms over 12 months to potentially reduce…: Federal sentencing rules allow inmates serving terms over 12 months to potentially reduce their incarceration time by up to 15 percent.
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US State Department is learnt to have asked for 24 years in jail for Nikhil Gupta, the Indian national facing trial for an alleged assassination attempt on designated terrorist and chief of Sikhs For Justice group Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
Gupta's counsel have requested a reduced sentence of 12 years while submitting a remorse letter to the judge ahead of sentencing Nov 20. They have requested the judge to consider the probation department's recommendation of a similar-duration jail term besides Gupta pleading guilty and not wasting the court's time. Prosecutors have, however, asked to consider his act of planning a murder on foreign soil as brazen and asked for the maximum sentence.
If he gets more than 12 months, Gupta may be eligible for term reduction of up to 15%
Nikhil Gupta has claimed to be a victim of deception and claimed that he was promised by an individual to settle cases in exchange for plotting the killing.
'Victim of deception'
In Feb, Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit it, and money laundering conspiracy which carry…
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