Vikas Yadav has been accused by US authorities of allegedly being involved in a failed plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.
Yadav, a former Indian official, is facing charges related to a conspiracy to murder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent proponent of Sikh separatism. The plot was allegedly planned during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US. On Thursday, the US Justice Department revealed criminal charges against Yadav, who was 39 years old at the time and had been working in the cabinet secretariat, which manages India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Vikas Yadav No Longer Works for the Indian Government
In response to media questions, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government. The FBI has now listed Yadav as a “wanted” fugitive, further intensifying international interest in the case.
Who Is Vikas Yadav, and What Are the Charges?
Yadav is facing charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering in connection with the attempt to kill Pannun. According to the US Department of Justice, Yadav is still at large. Initially, his identity was concealed as “CC-1” (co-conspirator) in the first indictment.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that Yadav, identified as an Indian government official, collaborated with a criminal associate to attempt the assassination of a US citizen exercising their First Amendment rights. The target, Pannun, is known for his role in the Sikh independence movement.
Nikhil Gupta’s Arrest and Extradition
Yadav’s co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, was arrested in the Czech Republic last year and extradited to the US to face trial in the assassination plot. Gupta remains in US custody, awaiting trial.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland stressed that the charges highlight the Justice Department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of US citizens, especially against foreign conspiracies that endanger American lives.
FBI’s ‘Wanted’ Notice and Yadav’s Background
The FBI has released a wanted poster with three images of Vikas Yadav. A federal arrest warrant for Yadav was issued on October 10, 2023. Yadav, also known as “Amanat,” is the second individual to be charged in connection with the conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Yadav claimed to be a “senior field officer” responsible for intelligence and security management. He had previously served in India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and undergone specialized military training. Despite his background, the Indian government has distanced itself from him.
In one of the images released, Yadav is seen wearing military combat gear, although he has no visible rank insignia. The indictment notes that he was an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF and managed the plot from India.
The Assassination Plot
The indictment describes a meeting in New York on June 9, 2023, where money was exchanged in a car to pay an alleged hitman to carry out the assassination of Pannun. The hitman, however, was an undercover FBI informant. He was promised $100,000 for the job, receiving a $15,000 advance.
The plot unravelled when the FBI learned of the conspiracy, leading to Gupta’s arrest and charges against Yadav.
India’s Official Response
The Indian government has denied any involvement in the alleged plot. After the US raised the accusations, New Delhi formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter further. The US has appreciated India’s cooperation in the investigation.
Within 48 hours of unsealing the second indictment, an Indian delegation visited the US for meetings with the FBI, Department of Justice, and State Department officials to discuss the ongoing case. The US continues to work closely with Indian authorities on this sensitive issue, with both sides updating each other on their findings.
Ongoing Investigation and Cooperation
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that cooperation between the two countries remains strong, and the US appreciates India’s ongoing assistance in the investigation. This is a complex case involving cross-border legal and diplomatic challenges, and both nations have committed to continuing their collaboration.
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