The United States has criminally charged Vikash Yadav, a senior official of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for orchestrating an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City.
The charges, unveiled in a recent indictment, include money laundering, conspiracy, and leading a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Pannun, a dual US and Canadian citizen and general counsel for Sikhs for Justice. This group advocates for the Khalistan Referendum, which aims to establish an independent Sikh state in India.
Yadav’s alleged accomplice, Nikhil Gupta, has already been extradited to the US and is currently detained in Brooklyn. Yadav, labelled by officials as the “mastermind” behind the plot, remains at large in India, prompting the US to seek his extradition.
The indictment details that starting in May 2023, Yadav coordinated efforts from India to target Pannun. Reacting to the charges, Pannun emphasized the US government’s dedication to protecting its citizens’ rights domestically and internationally.
Read: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun Lambasts India’s Policies, Advocates for Referendum
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun criticized the Modi government, accusing it of attempting to suppress the Khalistan movement through violent means. He remains committed to organizing a referendum for Punjab’s independence, including upcoming events in New Zealand.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland affirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting those threatening American citizens, regardless of their power or position. Representative Jim Himes also emphasized the importance of holding foreign governments accountable for actions that undermine US sovereignty.
Read: Canadian Police Arrest Three in Connection with Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s Assassination
The case against Yadav highlights growing concerns about transnational repression. It has led to heightened tensions with India, evidenced by similar accusations from Canada following the assassination of another Sikh leader on Canadian soil.
