In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has charged Vikash Yadav, a senior official of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) intelligence service, for orchestrating a foiled assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh separatist leader, in New York City last year. This indictment represents a bold step by the US to hold the Indian government accountable for acts of violence and terror on American soil.
Yadav, described as the “mastermind” of the scheme, is charged with money laundering, conspiracy, and leading a murder-for-hire plot against Pannun, who serves as general counsel for the New York-based Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). This advocacy group has been active in galvanizing Sikhs for the Khalistan Referendum, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state from India.
Nikhil Gupta, Yadav’s co-conspirator, has already been extradited to the US and remains incarcerated in Brooklyn. Yadav, however, is currently at large in India, and the US government has formally requested his extradition.
The indictment alleges that starting in May 2023, Yadav worked with others to plan the attack on Pannun. Reacting to the indictment, Pannun emphasized the US government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of its citizens, stating that the actions of the Indian government represent a blatant case of transnational terrorism.
“This attempt on my life on American soil challenges America’s sovereignty and threatens freedom of speech and democracy,” Pannun declared. He reaffirmed his commitment to organizing a voting process for the Khalistan Referendum despite ongoing threats.
The Justice Department, expressing its determination to hold accountable anyone who seeks to harm American citizens, stated that it would not tolerate such actions, irrespective of the perpetrator’s position or power. Attorney General Merrick Garland remarked on the severity of the case, emphasizing the need for all nations to understand that targeting individuals for extrajudicial killings on American soil is unacceptable.
The US investigation has been reportedly frustrated with the pace and transparency of India’s own inquiry into the assassination plot. There are concerns among US officials that India’s investigation may not adequately address the gravity of the situation.
Prosecutors revealed that Gupta was introduced to a supposed “hitman,” who was actually an undercover officer. Yadav had provided Gupta with Pannun’s personal information, and Gupta urged swift action against Pannun, while advising the hitman to avoid high-level meetings between US and Indian officials.
The case comes on the heels of heightened tensions between Canada and India, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing India of orchestrating violence against Sikh dissidents, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a close ally of Pannun, in Canada. Trudeau stated that the killing is indicative of a broader campaign by India to target dissidents abroad.
As diplomatic relations are strained, both the US and Canada are asserting their commitment to uphold sovereignty and protect their citizens from foreign aggression.
