Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government official, was arrested in New Delhi on December 18, 2023, in connection with an attempted murder case that has now gained international attention following a recent indictment by U.S. authorities. The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Justice Department, charges Yadav with leading a plot to murder Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, in New York.
According to court records, Yadav, 39, allegedly collaborated with various individuals both in India and abroad starting in May 2023 to orchestrate the assassination of Pannun, who is known for advocating Sikh independence. The U.S. indictment describes Yadav as a government employee during this period, highlighting his alleged involvement in a broader conspiracy.
Delhi Police arrested Yadav based on a complaint filed by an Indian businessman, who accused Yadav and an accomplice of kidnapping, assaulting, and robbing him. Details from a Delhi district court order dated February 23 revealed that the businessman was tortured and coerced into providing money under the threat of gang violence linked to notorious organized crime figure Lawrence Bishnoi. Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Gujarat, faces multiple charges, including murder and extortion, and is believed to lead an active gang in India.
Yadav’s attorney, RK Handoo, dismissed the charges as “fallacious,” suggesting that they were part of an “international plot” to discredit both the Indian government and his client. Handoo declined to elaborate further on Yadav’s current status or the specifics of the case. However, reports indicate that Yadav remains in India, and U.S. officials are anticipated to seek his extradition following the indictment.
The complaint against Yadav alleges that he and his accomplice not only assaulted the businessman but also extorted money by demanding that he sign blank cheques. They reportedly dropped the victim near his car after the ordeal, warning him to keep silent about the incident.
Complicating matters, Canada recently accused Indian government agents of maintaining ties to Bishnoi’s gang and conducting campaigns against Indian dissidents in Canada, allegations that the Indian government has denied. These claims have led to increased scrutiny of India’s role in international incidents involving its dissidents.
As the situation unfolds, both Yadav’s legal representation and the Indian authorities face mounting pressure to address the implications of these serious allegations on international relations and national security.
