The U.S. Department of Justice has charged an employee of the Indian government for a foiled assassination attempt.
The employee is Vikash Yadav who is accused of plotting assassinate U.S. citizen in and prominent American-Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He is a pro-Khalistan leader and an outspoken critic of the Indian government.
Vikas has been charged with murder-for-hire and money laundering. His alleged co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta was previously charged and extradited to the United States on the charges contained in the first superseding indictment.
“Today’s charges demonstrate that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to target and endanger Americans and to undermine the rights to which every U.S. citizen is entitled,” the Justice Department said.
Who Are The Accused?
Yadav was employed by the Government of India’s Cabinet Secretariat, which houses India’s foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing. He is now believed to have left government service. He has also served in the CRPF as an Assistant Commandant.
His alleged co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, was previously charged and extradited to the U.S. in connection with the same case.
Allegations and Diplomatic Repercussions
According to U.S. officials, Yadav allegedly directed Gupta to hire a hitman for the assassination, which was foiled by U.S. authorities in 2023. U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated that the Justice Department would take a strong stance against anyone, including foreign nationals, attempting to harm U.S. citizens or undermine their rights.
“The FBI will not tolerate acts of violence or other efforts to retaliate against those residing in the U.S. for exercising their constitutionally protected rights,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement.
India’s Role Under Scrutiny
The case has significant diplomatic implications for India, which has long been at odds with the global Khalistani movement. While India has consistently called for stronger actions against Khalistani extremists, particularly those based in Canada, the accusations against Yadav, an Indian government employee, have raised concerns about India’s methods of addressing the issue internationally.
The Indian government has yet to officially comment on the accusations against Yadav. However, observers believe this development could further strain India-U.S. relations.
