Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was warned under the U.S. ‘Duty to Warn’ statute by the FBI and the RCMP of a credible threat to his life, while Indian national Nikhil Gupta awaits a decades‑long sentence for a 2023 murder plot against him.

  • FBI and RCMP have warned Pannun of a new credible life‑threat
  • ‘Duty to Warn’ law obligates agencies to alert individuals of specific threats
  • Nikhil Gupta faces at least 20 years in prison for the 2023 assassination plot

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), said FBI agents visited him on August 20 and instructed him not to travel until the threat is resolved, and to notify the agency in advance of any travel plans.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also called him on August 25 with a similar warning, though neither agency disclosed details of the uncovered plot.

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Pannun, a dual U.S.–Canadian citizen, explained that the alert was issued under the United States’ “Duty to Warn” law, which requires intelligence and law‑enforcement bodies to inform individuals of credible threats of murder, severe bodily harm, or kidnapping.

Historical Background

Pannun is a leading voice for an independent Sikh homeland and is designated a terrorist by the Indian government. The killing of Khalistan activist Harpreet Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023, sparked a wave of security concerns for Sikh leaders worldwide.

Indian national Nikhil Gupta pleaded guilty in February 2026 to federal conspiracy charges for plotting in 2023 to assassinate Pannun under the direction of an Indian government employee. Gupta’s attempt was foiled when he inadvertently communicated with an undercover law‑enforcement officer posing as a hitman. Federal sentencing guidelines call for a minimum of two decades behind bars.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the coordinated warnings from two of the world’s top law‑enforcement agencies underscore the trans‑national dimension of threats against separatist activists, highlighting how diplomatic tensions between India, the United States and Canada are intensifying.

"Such cross‑border alerts are rare and signal a serious escalation in the geopolitical stakes surrounding the Khalistan movement," says Dr. Ayesha Khan, security analyst at Global Threat Institute.

Pannun’s Response

In a phone interview, Pannun declared, “I’m not afraid of their death threats; I remain undaunted.” He also called on the administrations of former President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to confront Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over threats to U.S. and Canadian sovereignty.

“The Modi government is proceeding under the Trump administration without fear of any consequences,” he added, emphasizing his resolve to continue his advocacy even “at the cost of a bullet.”

Did You Know?: Pannun previously received a similar “Duty to Warn” alert in 2022 after a credible assassination plot was uncovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has Pannun taken any additional security measures?

A: He has requested travel restrictions and prior notification to authorities, but detailed security protocols remain undisclosed.

Q2: What is the expected sentence for Nikhil Gupta?

A: Under federal sentencing guidelines, Gupta faces a minimum of 20 years in prison.