{
  "id": 20129843,
  "title": "US seeking 24-year jail term for Nikhil Gupta over alleged Pannun murder plot, defence wants 12 years",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/us-seeking-24-year-jail-term-for-nikhil-gupta-over-alleged-pannun",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T06:52:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-nikhil-gupta-sentencing-gurpatwant-singh-pannun-murder-plot-india-news-101794725241373.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "US prosecutors have demanded a 24-year prison sentence for Indian national Nikhil Gupta, who is accused of plotting to assassinate pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The request follows Gupta's sentencing, which is set for November 20. However, his lawyers have asked for a more lenient 12-year term, citing the court's recommendation and Gupta's remorse. In a letter to the judge, Gupta expressed regret for his actions, admitting he was a \"mess\" in early 2023 due to alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy, murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. The plot allegedly involved a request from an Indian intelligence official, identified as Vikash Yadav, who offered to \"make the matter go away\" if Gupta cooperated. Gupta's lawyers argued that he acted under pressure and had no prior criminal history, while prosecutors maintained that his actions were brutal and brazen, aiming to silence a critic.",
  "summary": "In a letter addressed to the judge, Victor Marrero, Gupta expressed regret for his role in the purported assassination plot.",
  "key_points": [
    "US seeks 24-year sentence for Nikhil Gupta in Pannun murder plot case",
    "Defendant's lawyers request 12-year term, citing remorse and court recommendation",
    "Plot allegedly involved Indian intelligence official offering to \"make the matter go away\""
  ],
  "editors_take": "The significant gap between the prosecution's demand and the defense's request highlights the tension between punishing a brazen conspiracy and considering a defendant's personal remorse and lack of prior history.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}