Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, has been accused by the United States of orchestrating a failed assassination attempt against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who resides in New York City. On October 17, 2024, the US Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Yadav with murder-for-hire and money laundering in connection with the plot. The case has drawn significant attention due to its international implications and Yadav’s past role in Indian intelligence.
The Assassination Plot
The plot, which began in May 2023, allegedly involved Yadav coordinating with Nikhil Gupta, a co-conspirator, to assassinate Pannun. Gupta, already arrested and extradited from the Czech Republic, will face trial in the US. Meanwhile, Yadav remains at large, and a federal arrest warrant has been issued against him as US officials prepare to seek his extradition.
According to the FBI, Yadav used the alias “Amanat” to communicate with Gupta as part of the assassination plan. The FBI released a wanted poster describing Yadav as a former Indian government employee, specifically a “senior field officer” responsible for security management and intelligence. The charges demonstrate the gravity of the situation, as US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “The Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to target and endanger Americans.”
Yadav’s Background and Career
Born in Haryana, India, in 1984, Yadav has a background rooted in law enforcement and intelligence. He previously served as an assistant commandant in India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was reportedly trained in battle tactics and weapons handling. He later worked for India’s cabinet secretariat, which houses the country’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Federal prosecutors claim that Yadav’s employment with the Indian government overlapped with his involvement in the assassination plot. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Yadav is no longer linked to the Indian government. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The individual named in the indictment is no longer employed by the Government of India.”
Previous Arrest and Legal Troubles in India
Beyond the US charges, Yadav has faced legal issues in India as well. According to The Indian Express, Yadav was arrested by Delhi Police’s Special Cell in December 2023, in connection with an extortion and kidnapping case. The complaint, filed by a resident of Rohini, alleged that Yadav kidnapped him for ransom after falsely presenting himself as a senior government official. The complainant, who had connections with Indians living in West Asia, claimed that Yadav showed particular interest in his business dealings and financial transactions with overseas contacts.
Delhi Police’s investigation revealed that Yadav had planned the abduction with an associate, reportedly a car dealer, to overcome financial losses. Although Yadav was arrested in this case, he was released on bail in April 2024.
US-India Diplomatic Tensions
The charges against Yadav have raised concerns about the potential diplomatic fallout between the US and India, especially in the context of intelligence operations. Pannun, a prominent proponent of the Khalistan movement, is considered a terrorist by Indian authorities, but his assassination attempt on US soil escalates tensions between both countries.
India has long criticized Pannun for inciting separatist violence and promoting the creation of an independent Sikh state, Khalistan. However, the MEA’s decision to distance itself from Yadav’s actions highlights India’s delicate position as the case unfolds internationally.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
With Yadav still at large, US authorities are actively pursuing his capture and extradition. The US government has also made it clear that it will use all available legal avenues to prosecute those involved in endangering its citizens. As investigations continue, Yadav’s case serves as a reminder of the intricate web of international politics, espionage, and intelligence operations that can stretch across borders and involve multiple jurisdictions.
(With inputs from agencies)
