Gurpatwant Pannun Murder Plot: Nikhil Gupta enters not guilty plea in murder-for-hire case
Nikhil Gupta, accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against a Sikh extremist on American soil, pleaded not guilty as he was arraigned in federal court in Manhattan. Gupta was extradited to the US from the Czech Republic on June 14, which court records show as the day of his arrest in the US.
He made his first appearance in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge James Cott on Monday afternoon for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty. Gupta's attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe entered the «not guilty» plea on his behalf. Gupta is being held in a Brooklyn detention facility.
Gupta is charged with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each charge.
Upcoming Court Hearing
The next court hearing in the case is on June 28. Court records show that a status conference has been set for June 28 before Judge Victor Marrero.
US Government's Response
US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that Gupta's «extradition makes clear that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to silence or harm American citizens». Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco termed the extradition a «vital step toward justice, and I am grateful to our Czech partners for their assistance in this matter». US Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York said the extradition «makes clear our unwavering resolve to investigate, thwart, and prosecute those who seek to harm and silence US citizens here and elsewhere».
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