The FBI has placed Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee, on its wanted list for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist and US citizen. This shocking development comes at a time when Canada has been vocal in its accusations against India regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani figure.
The Allegations Against Vikash Yadav
Vikash Yadav, born in Haryana in 1984, is the second Indian implicated in this assassination plot. According to US justice Department reports, Vikash Yadav worked with the Cabinet Secretariat, which oversees the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). His role involved security management and intelligence gathering. He claims to have served in India’s Central Reserve Police Force and received training in weapons and tactics.
The US Justice Department alleges that Yadav recruited Nikhil Gupta to carry out the murder of Pannun. Reports indicate that Yadav directed Gupta to contact a supposed criminal associate. This associate was actually an undercover source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Gupta met with a fake hitman, who was a DEA undercover officer.
Plot to Assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun
According to US department, Yadav and Gupta planned to pay $100,000 for the assassination. In June 2023, Yadav’s associate allegedly delivered $15,000 to the undercover officer in Manhattan as an advance payment. Yadav provided Gupta with crucial personal information about Pannun. Gupta then forwarded this information to the undercover agent, including surveillance photographs of the target.
Gupta received instructions to expedite the plot but was warned against carrying out the murder during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US. After the murder of another Khalistani activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Gupta stated that Pannun was also a target. He suggested that it was now a priority to proceed with the plan.
Canada’s Accusations Against India: A New Twist Amidst Pannun Murder Plot Allegations
Canada has been vocal in its accusations against India regarding the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani terrorist. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India carried out an attack on international soil. However, he recently clarified that when he first made these claims, Canada lacked concrete evidence and relied solely on intelligence. With the US now taking a stance in the Pannun murder plot, it will be crucial to observe how Canada’s allegations against India may evolve in light of this new development.
Legal Implications for Vikash Yadav
The charges against Vikash Yadav and Nikhil Gupta include murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges carry severe penalties, potentially up to 20 years in prison. A federal court will ultimately decide their fate based on the US Sentencing Guidelines.
It’s important to note that an indictment is simply an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Gupta, extradited from the Czech Republic, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formed a high-level inquiry committee. This committee will address the security concerns raised by the US government.
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