US Charges Ex-Indian Intelligence Officer Vikash Yadav in Foiled Murder Plot of Sikh Leader Pannun

Oct 18, 2024, 01:28 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it has charged Vikash Yadav, a 39-year-old Indian government employee and former intelligence officer, with orchestrating a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen and leader of the Sikh separatist organization Sikhs for Justice, in New York City. Yadav, who specialized in intelligence and is believed to have directed the assassination attempt from India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit, faces charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering. The plot was uncovered by U.S. authorities, and Yadav remains at large with an arrest warrant issued against him and a 'Wanted' poster released by the FBI. Co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta was previously extradited to the United States in connection with the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI Director Christopher Wray announced the charges, highlighting concerns about foreign interference on U.S. soil. The case involves the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India and may impact U.S.-India relations.