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U.S. Charges Former Indian Intelligence Officer in Foiled Assassination Plot
Allegations of a Murder Conspiracy Targeting Sikh Activist
In a striking development, the United States has formally charged Vikash Yadav, a former officer of India’s intelligence agency, for purportedly orchestrating an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist leader and vocal critic of the Indian government, residing in New York City. The FBI has issued warnings against retaliation targeting U.S. residents over their dissenting views.
Details of the Indictment and Plot
The indictment prepared by the U.S. Justice Department was scheduled to be made public on October 17. It identified Yadav as previously serving with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), alleging that he collaborated with others both domestically and internationally during May 2023 to execute plans against Pannun.
Pannun holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada and advocates for an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan—a cause that authorities in India have categorically labeled as terrorism.
The FBI’s Firm Stance on Violence
“The FBI will not stand idly by while we witness acts of violence or any efforts aimed at punishing those who exercise their constitutional rights,” stated FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding this serious international incident.
Assassination Attempts Linked to International Conflict
The indictment indicates that Yadav recruited an individual named Nikhil Gupta—a man previously charged by U.S. authorities for allegedly attempting to carry out Pannun’s assassination under Yadav’s instructions. After traveling from India to Prague last June, Gupta was apprehended by Czech officials before being extradited back to the U.S., where he pleaded not guilty during his court appearance.
Murder-for-Hire Charges Filed Against Yadav
The federal court filing charges Yadav with offenses including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire along with money laundering activities related to this plot.
Bilateral Relations at Stake Amid Allegations
A recent meeting between an investigative committee from India focused on its alleged involvement in this thwarted assassination attempt took place on October 15 in Washington D.C.—a discussion characterized as constructive from the American side. Subsequently, on October 16, the U.S. State Department confirmed India’s notification regarding Yadav no longer holding a position within its government framework.
Tensions Rise Between Nations over Escalating Incidents
This incident represents more than just internal strife; it further complicates diplomatic ties among Washington, Ottawa, and New Delhi—especially following Canada’s expulsion of Indian diplomats linked to another alleged murder involving Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier this year.
India responded similarly by expelling Canadian diplomats amid heightened tensions surrounding these allegations.The Justice Department noted connections between Nijjar and Pannun while implying that Gupta felt compelled after Nijjar’s death that action should be taken swiftly against Pannun instead of delaying further steps towards his assassination—all plans ultimately dismantled due to proactive intervention from U.S authorities.A Need for Cooperative Dialogue amidst Global Pressure
This ongoing saga raises critical questions surrounding international obligations when addressing violent extremism fueled across borders while testing alliances crucial against shared adversities like China—an opponent both India seeks technology collaboration against as well seeks Western investments amid growing geopolitical threats nationwide.
The post Ex-Indian RAW Agent Charged in Stunning Foiled Murder Plot in New York! first appeared on USA NEWS.
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Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT
Publish date : 2024-10-20 00:41:00
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