The U.S. Justice Department unsealed an indictment against Vikash Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, for directing a foiled assassination attempt against a Sikh American man critical of the Indian government. Yadav, who was employed by India’s foreign intelligence agency, allegedly plotted to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City in May 2023. Court records show that Yadav asked an individual to arrange the assassination in exchange for dropping a criminal case, and $15,000 was offered as an advance payment for the hit. Additional killings were also planned in Canada. The U.S. has accused senior officials in the Modi administration of authorizing the plot, but India denies involvement, stating that targeted killings are not part of their policy. The indictment also references the killing of another Sikh separatist leader in Canada in June 2023. Yadav remains at large, while the individual tasked with arranging the hit has been arrested and extradited to the U.S. Pannun, the target of the assassination attempt, praised the U.S. government for holding Yadav accountable and highlighted the threat of transnational terrorism by India. The charges against Yadav underscore the U.S. commitment to protecting its citizens’ lives, liberties, and freedom of expression.
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