New York court seeks evidence against Indian youth accused of conspiracy to murder

A New York court has asked the Federal Government to respond to a motion filed by Nikhil Gupta's lawyers. The court has said in its order that whatever evidence is there against Nikhil Gupta in the conspiracy to kill a Khalistani terrorist on American soil should be presented.

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero said in the order that on January 4, 2024, defense counsel filed a motion requesting that the court direct the government to subpoena defense counsel in the investigation so far start giving evidence.

Marrero further said in his order that the Court hereby directs the government to file a response to the motion to compel within three days of the date of this order.

The US federal prosecutor has alleged that accused Nikhil Gupta was working with an Indian government employee in a failed conspiracy to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, who had dual citizenship of America and Canada.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Matthew G. Nikhil Gupta, 52, of India, has been charged with first-degree murder with a betel nut, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit murder, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, Olsen said.

Prosecutors said Czech authorities arrested and detained Gupta on June 30, 2023, under the bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and the Czech Republic. Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic at the request of the United States in connection with a conspiracy to murder a man.

Earlier Gupta had also approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention of the Indian government in his efforts to block his possible extradition to the USA. The SC however declined to intervene saying that it had no jurisdiction.