Nikhil Gupta, extradited Friday on an accusation of murder-for-hire targeting a Khalistani separatist, pleaded "not guilty" before US Magistrate Judge James Cott in federal court. His attorney, Jeffrey Chabrowe, said that this is a very complicated case for both India and the United States and urged against jumping to conclusions while assuring he will vigorously fight back. Gupta, represented by Jeffrey Chabrowe, entered a "not-guilty" plea during an appearance before Magistrate Judge James Cott shortly after his extradition from the Czech Republic.
His lawyer, Chabrowe, said it was a very complicated case for both India and Washington and urged against jumping to conclusions while insisting on fighting back with vigor.
Assistant Federal Prosecutor Ashley Nichols outlined the case against Gupta, relating to an alleged plot for the assassination of the leader of a group promoting the creation of Khalistan. The indictment alleges that Gupta, also known as "Nick," conspired to target the leader, identified as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, through illicit means.
Wearing black pants and a sweater, 52-year-old Gupta sat beside his counsel in the courtroom. The atmosphere lightened for a moment as Gupta spoke with his lawyer before the session started, but charges against him were somber, and there was a sense of that in the courtroom. Court marshals fussed with Gupta's attire, asking him to remove his sweater in adherence to regulations.
He highlighted concerns raised over the detention conditions of Gupta, specifically the dietary restrictions, which were against his vegetarian beliefs. Judge Cott instructed prison officials to do something about it right away. Arrangements were also called for to help him with his religious practices.
He read out his rights, as is the protocol, with the right to counsel and remaining silent on questioning. He mentioned that Gupta was a foreign citizen, which could draw consular officials into the mix.
In his opening statement, the prosecutor described how Gupta was supposedly recruited to plot an assassination by communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a hitman. Gupta allegedly arranged money transactions and identified some of the potential targets, including officials already targeted by Khalistan.
Jagjit Singh, a friend and colleague of Pannun's, sat through the hearing in the courthouse audience and spoke about the case afterward, outside the courthouse. The prosecution said that it would release any evidence helpful to Gupta's defense if and when such evidence arose, as prescribed under the rules of the trial.
Extradition to the US had been delayed because of legal challenges in the Czech Republic, culminating in his recent transfer following the rejection of his appeal by the Czech Constitutional Court.
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