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The case of Vikash Yadav, a former Indian official accused by the United States of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the alleged involvement of Indian intelligence agencies. Yadav, a 39-year-old former official of India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), vehemently denied the allegations, with his family expressing shock and disbelief over the FBI's claims. According to Yadav's cousin, Avinash Yadav, the accused maintained that the reports circulating in the media were false, and he had no knowledge of any such plot. The family, residing in the ancestral village of Pranpura, Haryana, insisted that Yadav was still working for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and not RAW, as alleged by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The U.S. indictment, unsealed on Thursday, paints a starkly different picture, accusing Yadav of leading an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Pannun, the leader of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) organization. The indictment alleges that Yadav directed another Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, to hire a hitman for $15,000 to carry out the assassination. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Indian political and security circles, with the government acknowledging the investigation but maintaining that Yadav is no longer a government employee. However, the lack of clarity regarding his former position within the intelligence community has fueled speculation about the potential implications for India's security apparatus and its ties with the United States.
The allegations against Yadav have also raised questions about the source of funds used for the alleged murder-for-hire plot. Yadav's family, pointing to their modest dwelling in Pranpura, dismissed the claim that Yadav could have access to the substantial sum of money needed to execute the alleged assassination plan. The family’s insistence that Yadav was a CRPF officer, not a RAW operative, further complicates the situation and underscores the conflicting narratives surrounding the case. With the U.S. seeking Yadav’s extradition, the case is expected to intensify and potentially lead to further diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The incident has highlighted the sensitive nature of cross-border cooperation on matters of national security. The U.S. accusation against a former Indian intelligence official underscores the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by governments in maintaining transparency and accountability within their security agencies. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will succeed in extraditing Yadav and how this case will impact the relationship between the two countries.
The alleged murder-for-hire plot has also raised concerns about the safety of Sikh separatist leaders, particularly those who advocate for the creation of an independent Khalistan state in India. The SFJ, led by Pannun, has been a vocal proponent of Khalistan, and its activities have been met with strong opposition from the Indian government. The U.S. allegations against Yadav have raised questions about the level of security threats faced by such activists and the extent to which foreign governments may be involved in their targeting.
The family's plea for Indian government support and clarity on Yadav's status reflects the uncertainty and anxieties surrounding the case. With Yadav's whereabouts unknown and the U.S. pursuing his extradition, the incident has highlighted the need for transparency and cooperation between India and its international partners in addressing such sensitive and complex security issues. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world will be watching closely to see how this case plays out and its implications for the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
Source: Indian ex-official indicted by US in Pannun case dismisses allegations, family says