Fri Oct 18 07:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Former Indian Intelligence Official Charged in Foiled Plot to Assassinate Sikh Separatist Leader in New York
**New York, October 18, 2024** – A former Indian government employee, Vikash Yadav, has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with directing a foiled assassination plot against pro-Khalistan separatist figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. This case, which has strained relations between India and the U.S., echoes a similar incident in Canada last year.
Yadav, who was identified as “CC-1” in the initial indictment filed in 2023, allegedly recruited Nikhil Gupta, another Indian national, to find a hitman. Gupta is currently detained in Brooklyn following his arrest in the Czech Republic last year.
The indictment alleges that Yadav, who served as a “Senior Field Officer” in India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), provided Pannun’s personal information to Gupta, including addresses and phone numbers. The FBI’s wanted notice describes Yadav as a former “Assistant Commandant” in India’s Central Reserve Police Force.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by the government. However, the U.S. authorities believe that the alleged plot to kill Pannun was sanctioned by the previous R&AW chief and senior intelligence officials with ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inner circle.
The incident comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Canada, sparked by the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada last year. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were involved in Nijjar’s death.
The U.S. indictment reveals connections between the two incidents, with communications shared between Yadav, Gupta, and the alleged hitmen in both cases.
The investigation into Yadav and the foiled assassination attempt remains ongoing. The indictment highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Sikh separatism and the alleged involvement of foreign intelligence agencies.
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