New York (Web Desk/Agencies): The United States (US) prosecutors have charged Vikash Yadav, an Indian intelligence agent, with leading a failed plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh leader and US citizen, in New York.
This case draws parallels to the 2023 assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which has raised concerns about India’s influence and actions on foreign soil.
According to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Yadav, an employee of the Indian government, is accused of conspiring with an associate to target Pannun for exercising his rights under the First Amendment.
The associate, Nikhil Gupta, was arrested in the Czech Republic and has since been extradited to the USto stand trial. The FBI has included Yadav on its list of wanted fugitives.
Pannun, who serves as the general counsel for the advocacy group Sikhs for Justice, condemned the assassination attempt, describing it as a clear example of “India’s transnational terrorism,” and asserting that it poses a serious threat to both American sovereignty and democratic freedoms.
The indictment reveals that Yadav claimed to be a “senior field officer” in India’s notorious intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
t alleges that he enlisted Gupta to find someone in the US to carry out the murder of Pannun.
Last year, US prosecutors charged Gupta, stating he was acting under the direction of an unnamed Indian government official.
With Yadav now facing charges, the case has intensified scrutiny on India’s covert operations abroad.
The indictment comes on the heels of heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and India.
Recently, Canada expelled India’s top diplomat and five other officials, alleging their involvement in a broader criminal network linked to Nijjar's killing, which Canadian authorities believe was sanctioned by the Indian government.
Both nations have been sharing intelligence as they investigate these serious allegations.
US authorities reported that following Nijjar's murder, Yadav sent Gupta a news article about Pannun, labeling him as a “priority” target.
Gupta’s attempts to recruit a hitman, however, were thwarted when the individual he approached informed law enforcement, leading to a sting operation that resulted in his indictment.
Gupta, who pleaded not guilty during a court appearance, is now facing serious charges alongside Yadav, who is believed to be residing in India. Both men are charged with murder for hire and conspiracy to launder money.
Evidence presented in the indictment indicates a disturbing intent by the Indian government to eliminate critics living abroad, with Gupta reportedly suggesting that the attempted assassinations were just the beginning of a more extensive campaign against Sikh separatists.
Meanwhile, in response to these developments, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for cooperation in the ongoing investigation, underscoring the critical nature of the situation.
Despite Trudeau's appeals, relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate, resulting in reciprocal expulsions of diplomats.
On Wednesday, The Canadian premier condemned India's alleged interference in Canada, labeling it a "horrific mistake."
This statement follows recent diplomatic tensions linked to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Canadian authorities believe involves Indian diplomats.
Trudeau made these comments during a session on foreign interference in Canadian politics, shortly after his government expelled Indian diplomats believed to be associated with the incident.
Trudeau asserted that the Indian government erred in thinking it could interfere so aggressively in Canada's safety and sovereignty.