The FBI has issued a wanted poster for Vikash Yadav, a former Indian government employee, in connection with a foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen. This development underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups and highlights the international cooperation needed to counter them.
Yadav, who was previously employed by the Indian government, is now being sought by US authorities for his alleged role in the assassination plot. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Yadav is no longer an employee of the Government of India, and they are cooperating with the US authorities in this investigation.
According to reports, Yadav and his associate, Nikhil Gupta, are facing serious charges, including murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges carry significant prison sentences, with murder-for-hire carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years and conspiracy to commit money laundering carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The case has taken a dramatic turn with the revelation that Yadav was arrested in India last year by the Delhi Police Anti-Terror Wing’s Special Cell for extortion. He spent several months in Tihar Jail before being released on bail in April. During the investigation, it was discovered that Yadav had posed as an undercover agent, meeting a complainant, Raj Kumar Walia, under the guise of a government official working for the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Walia, who operates a café and lounge in West Delhi’s Moti Nagar, was allegedly kidnapped and extorted by Yadav and his associate, Abdullah. The accused claimed that Walia was in danger and lured him to meet near the NIA office in Delhi.
The FIR details a harrowing account of Walia being forced into a car, tortured, and threatened by Yadav and his associate. They demanded money in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and even took Walia’s bank cheque book, obtaining his signature on blank cheques. The accused then dropped Walia near his car, threatening him to remain silent.
Further investigations revealed that Yadav had stolen ₹ 50,000 from Walia’s café and deleted all CCTV recordings.
This case highlights the complexities of transnational terrorism and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating these threats. The FBI’s issuance of a wanted poster for Yadav underscores the seriousness of the alleged assassination plot and the determination of US authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
The Indian government’s response to the case has been swift, with the MEA confirming that India takes such inputs seriously and is examining the issue. This development also raises questions about the potential for individuals with prior government experience to be involved in criminal activities, further complicating the issue of security and trust.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will impact relations between India and the US. It is crucial to note that both Yadav and Gupta are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The US Justice Department has emphasized that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the security and safety of both countries.