New York trial of accused Indian hit squad member delayed

New York Trial of Accused Indian Hit Squad Member Delayed

The murder-for-hire trial of Nikhil (Nick) Gupta, accused of plotting assassinations for the Indian government in New York, has been postponed. Originally scheduled to begin on Monday in New York City, the trial was expected to reveal significant evidence related to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

Details of the Charges

Gupta, an alleged drug and arms smuggler, faces charges of conspiring with officials from the Indian government and its overseas intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The conspiracy aimed to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh independence activist and dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has labeled a terrorist.

New Evidence and Its Implications

Prosecutors have filed pre-trial motions indicating they will present fresh evidence, including wiretapped communications and video footage, concerning the murder of Pannun’s Canadian deputy, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, B.C., in 2023.

The trial "has the potential to complicate efforts by both the Indian and Canadian governments to put the Nijjar dispute behind them and re-establish normal diplomatic relations."

Defense Concerns

Gupta has expressed dissatisfaction with his court-appointed public defender and is seeking to represent himself during the trial.

Author's summary: The postponement of Gupta’s trial, involving allegations of India-linked assassinations, may deepen diplomatic tensions and reveal critical new evidence in the Nijjar case.

CBC — 2025-11-02