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U.S. prosecutors have accused a former Indian government employee, Vikash Yadav, of orchestrating a foiled plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent pro-Khalistani separatist. This case has escalated tensions between India and the U.S., echoing the 2023 killing of another Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada.
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Who is Vikash Yadav?
Vikash Yadav, identified as CC-1 in the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) 2023 indictment, was a senior intelligence officer within the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s foreign intelligence agency. Working alongside co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta, Yadav allegedly directed the assassination plot against Pannun, who is a vocal advocate for the creation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state.
Yadav's role included recruiting Gupta to locate a hitman and provide the necessary information, such as Pannun’s residence and contact details. Gupta, who was arrested in the Czech Republic and is currently detained in Brooklyn, allegedly acted as a middleman in this conspiracy.
The Role of Nikhil Gupta
Nikhil Gupta, Yadav’s alleged associate, played a critical role in the assassination plot. He reportedly hired an individual to carry out the murder, offering $100,000 for the job and advancing $15,000 in June 2023.
However, the hired assassin was, in fact, an FBI informant, which led to the plot being foiled. Gupta was arrested in connection with the case, while Yadav remains at large.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Murder Plot: A Geopolitical Flashpoint
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, wanted in India on terror charges due to his separatist activities, is a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen and an influential figure in the Khalistan movement.
The plot to kill Pannun is alleged to have been sanctioned by top officials in Indian intelligence, including those with close ties to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by the Washington Post.
This incident bears similarities to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which has severely strained relations between India and Canada. U.S. authorities believe the same group of individuals linked to the Pannun plot may also be involved in Nijjar's assassination, further complicating diplomatic relations between India, Canada, and the United States.
The Continuing Investigation
While Nikhil Gupta is under arrest, the search for Vikash Yadav continues. His involvement in both the Pannun and Nijjar cases has made him a central figure in ongoing investigations that may have long-term geopolitical consequences. The case has already impacted India-U.S. relations, with both countries monitoring developments closely.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India has confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by the government, and any actions he took were independent of official duties.
Conclusion
The Gurpatwant Singh Pannun assassination plot has become a flashpoint in the already strained relations between India and the U.S. The involvement of high-ranking Indian officials in such a serious case raises concerns about state-sponsored actions targeting foreign nationals. As the investigation continues, the case will likely remain in the international spotlight, affecting diplomatic ties and potentially leading to broader repercussions.
