Sat Oct 19 15:51:59 UTC 2024: Summary of the Article:

1. **Charges Against Vikash Yadav**: Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, has been charged by U.S. authorities for allegedly orchestrating a foiled plot to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City.

2. **Previous Arrest**: Yadav was arrested by Delhi Police in December 2023 for unrelated crimes involving extortion and kidnapping. He was accused of kidnapping a businessman and demanding ransom while pretending to act on behalf of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

3. **Details of the Kidnapping Case**: According to reports, Yadav and an accomplice kidnapped the businessman, forced him to sign a blank cheque, and stole ₹50,000. He faced multiple charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

4. **Legal Proceedings**: After being granted bail in April 2024, Yadav’s earlier interim bail noted him as having “clean antecedents” despite serious allegations.

5. **U.S. Indictment**: U.S. prosecutors have described Yadav as a “co-conspirator” in the murder-for-hire and money laundering case related to the assassination plot against Pannun, which was foiled in June 2023.

6. **Indian Government’s Response**: The Indian External Affairs Ministry stated that Yadav is no longer an employee of the government and denied any involvement with the assassination plot. The U.S. has reportedly expressed satisfaction with India’s cooperation in the investigation.

7. **Current Status**: Yadav remains at large amid the ongoing legal issues clouding both the kidnapping case in India and the charges in the United States.

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