A former Indian intelligence official has been charged in the United States for allegedly orchestrating a foiled assassination attempt. The target was an American citizen in New York City, who is a prominent leader advocating for an independent Sikh homeland.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan unsealed an indictment against Vikash Yadav, which cites a direct connection between the Indian government and what prosecutors describe as a murder-for-hire scheme on American soil. This follows after an Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, already indicted for similar charges last year, was accused of being involved in the alleged plot. The previous indictment also mentioned an unnamed Indian government official who prosecutors claim directed the scheme.
In the newly unsealed indictment, Yadav is identified, becoming a co-defendant alongside Gupta. Both individuals face charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy, murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Gupta was previously arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the United States, where he has pleaded not guilty, while Yadav remains at large.
“The Justice Department will be relentless in holding accountable any person — regardless of their position or proximity to power — who seeks to harm and silence American citizens,” stated U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
The intended target, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, is a U.S.-Canadian dual citizen, lawyer, and political activist. He serves as the general counsel of Sikhs for Justice, promoting the establishment of a Sikh state in northern India. Pannun expressed his appreciation for the indictment against Yadav, affirming that the U.S. government has demonstrated its commitment to protecting the life, liberty, and freedom of expression of its citizens.
“The attempt on my life on American soil is a blatant case of India’s transnational terrorism, posing a challenge to America’s sovereignty and a threat to freedom of speech and democracy,” Pannun remarked in a statement.
During the alleged attempt on Pannun’s life, another Sikh separatist leader, closely associated with Pannun, named Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was killed in Canada. Canadian authorities have arrested four Indian nationals linked to Nijjar’s murder, and this week, Canada identified six Indian diplomats as persons of interest, leading to their expulsion. Canadian authorities cited evidence suggesting Indian diplomatic involvement in a campaign targeting Canadian citizens.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized, “We will never tolerate the involvement of a foreign government threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil.”
India has denied the accusations.
These events have intensified scrutiny on India’s overseas actions, impacting its diplomatic relationships, notably with the U.S. The Biden administration considers India a crucial partner in counterbalancing China. Following the U.S.’s preventive actions regarding Pannun’s safety, India initiated an internal investigation into the matter, though this has been met with skepticism by U.S. observers.
U.S. and Indian officials engaged in discussions this week to address their ongoing investigations, which a State Department spokesperson described as “productive.”
