Fri Oct 18 07:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Indian Intelligence Officer Charged with Murder-for-Hire Plot in US
**New York, NY** – In a stunning development, US federal prosecutors have charged Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence official, with “murder-for-hire and money laundering” in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate a pro-Khalistan separatist figure, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on US soil.
The indictment, unsealed on Friday, marks the first time the US has publicly named an Indian official accused of orchestrating such a plot. Yadav, who previously served as a senior field officer for India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), allegedly directed the plot from India, recruiting Nikhil Gupta, a co-conspirator, to hire a hitman.
According to the indictment, Yadav provided Gupta with Pannun’s personal information, including his address and phone numbers, and arranged for an advance payment of $15,000 to the hitman. The plot was foiled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York stated that the charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years for murder-for-hire, 10 years for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and 20 years for money laundering conspiracy.
“The right to exercise free speech is foundational to our democracy,” said US Attorney Damian Williams. “We will hold you accountable, no matter who and where you are.”
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland echoed Williams’ sentiment, stating that the Justice Department will be relentless in pursuing those who seek to harm and silence American citizens.
The indictment reveals that Yadav, who is now a fugitive, worked for India’s Cabinet Secretariat, which is part of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by the government.
The case has drawn international attention, highlighting the complex relationship between India and the US and raising concerns about transnational repression.
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