New Delhi/Washington, October 18, 2024: Vikas Yadav, a former Indian government official, has been charged by the United States authorities for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The charges, which include "murder-for-hire" and "money laundering," were announced by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has declared Yadav "wanted" and has issued a federal arrest warrant for him, dated October 10.
Yadav, 39, reportedly directed the assassination plot from India. The indictment details his role as a senior operative, formerly employed by India's cabinet secretariat, where he was associated with the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). According to US authorities, Yadav's plan targeted Pannun, a US citizen known for his vocal support of Khalistan, for exercising his First Amendment rights.
The Justice Department, in its statement, stressed that the charges underscore its commitment to protecting the rights of American citizens. “The defendant, an Indian government employee, allegedly conspired with a criminal associate and attempted to assassinate a US citizen on American soil for exercising their First Amendment rights,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. US Attorney General Merrick Garland added, “Today’s charges demonstrate that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to target and endanger Americans.”
Vikas Yadav’s co-conspirator, identified as Nikhil Gupta, was apprehended in the Czech Republic last year and later extradited to the US to face trial. He remains in US custody, while Yadav, also known as “Vikas” and “Amanat,” remains at large. According to the US indictment, Yadav's background includes service as an Assistant Commandant with India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and training in "battle craft" and "weapons."
Images released by the FBI include Yadav in combat uniform, though without rank insignia, and scenes of alleged money exchanges in New York, believed to be part of the payment for the assassination attempt. The indictment, spanning 18 pages, describes Yadav’s coordination with Gupta to arrange the plot around the time of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US earlier this year.
When asked about the indictment, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, clarified that Yadav is “no longer an employee of the government of India.” However, the case has prompted diplomatic sensitivities between India and the United States, as officials in both countries navigate the implications of the high-profile charges.
The plot, which was ultimately thwarted by US law enforcement, marks a significant diplomatic and legal challenge. The FBI continues to seek Yadav’s apprehension, emphasizing that the integrity of US citizens' rights must be protected against foreign plots. As the case unfolds, the attention remains on both the legal proceedings against Gupta and the international search for Yadav.