Vikash Yadav, a former official with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been charged by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with a foiled murder plot against pro-Khalistan terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a wanted poster for Yadav, drawing significant attention to the case.
Background of Vikash Yadav
According to Press Trust of India (PTI), Vikash Yadav was employed by the Cabinet Secretariat, which oversees RAW operations. He hails from Pranpura, Haryana, and was born on December 11, 1984. Reports describe his height as ranging between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 1 inch.
The FBI has charged Yadav with multiple offenses, including murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and money laundering conspiracy. Initially indicted in 2023 under the alias ‘CC-1’, Yadav’s name was only revealed in a second superseding indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on October 17, 2024.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
A federal arrest warrant was issued against Yadav on October 10. The indictment states that Yadav played a crucial role in recruiting ‘co-conspirator’ Nikhil Gupta, who is currently incarcerated in the U.S. and has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to charges related to the murder attempt. The FBI alleges that Yadav and Gupta arranged for $15,000 in cash to be transported to New York to pay an associate in connection with the plot.
Official Response from India
In response to the unfolding situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Vikash Yadav is no longer affiliated with the Indian government. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The individual named in the U.S. indictment in the Pannun case no longer works with the Indian government.” This development has raised questions about Yadav’s connections and activities prior to the charges.
Current Status
As of now, the FBI has classified Vikash Yadav as ‘at large,’ heightening the urgency surrounding his apprehension. The ongoing investigation underscores the complexities of international crime and the implications for individuals with ties to government agencies.
The situation continues to evolve, with Yadav’s actions attracting scrutiny from both U.S. and Indian authorities as the quest for accountability unfolds.