Ex-RAW Official Vikas Yadav Wanted by FBI in Plot to Murder Khalistani Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

The US Justice Department has charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with orchestrating a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist residing in New York. Yadav, along with co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta, hired an individual to execute the killing for $100,000 in 2023, but the assassin turned out to be an FBI informant.

The plan was linked to tensions following the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, another Khalistani terrorist, in Canada. The plot was postponed to avoid disrupting Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US. The Indian government has confirmed Yadav is no longer employed by them, while Gupta was extradited to the US and pleaded not guilty.

Charges Against Vikash Yadav

• Murder-for-Hire: Yadav allegedly hired a hitman for $100,000 to kill Pannun.
• Money Laundering: Yadav is also charged with money laundering related to the payment for the assassination plot.

Nikhil Gupta’s Involvement

• Extradition: Gupta was arrested in Prague and extradited to the US, where he pleaded not guilty.
• Co-Conspirator: Gupta worked with Yadav in planning the assassination and facilitated communication with the FBI informant.

Indian Government Response

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government. US-India cooperation is ongoing in the investigation, and India rejected a civil suit filed by Pannun against its government.

Diplomatic Context

The assassination plot was paused to avoid fallout during PM Modi’s visit to the US, and a civil suit filed by Pannun has led to a US court summons involving the Indian government and top officials.