A former Indian government official faces serious charges in the United States this week. Vikash Yadav, 39, stands accused of orchestrating a foiled murder plot targeting a Sikh separatist in New York. The U.S. Justice Department unsealed the indictment on Thursday, revealing Yadav’s alleged involvement in the conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Yadav directed the plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, starting in May 2023. At the time, Yadav was an employee of the Indian government. He allegedly collaborated with others in India and abroad to execute this scheme.
Arrest in India
Delhi Police arrested Yadav on December 18 in New Delhi on separate charges of attempted murder. A police officer confirmed this information to Reuters on the condition of anonymity. Yadav, along with an associate, faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, in a Delhi district court.
Yadav’s lawyer, RK Handoo, vehemently denied the Indian charges. He described them as “fallacious” and suggested that an “international plot” aimed to shame the Indian government and his client. Handoo declined to comment further on the situation.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As of now, both Yadav and the police have not disclosed his current whereabouts. The Washington Post reported that U.S. officials indicated Yadav remains in India. They also expect the U.S. government to seek his extradition in light of the recent charges.
The circumstances surrounding Yadav’s arrest in India are alarming. A complaint filed by an Indian businessman led to his detention. The businessman alleged that Yadav and an associate kidnapped him in December, assaulted him, and robbed him. A Delhi district court order dated February 23 outlined the details of the complaint.
Claims of Kidnapping and Extortion
The court order stated, “The accused persons tortured and manhandled the complainant and demanded money in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.” Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in India’s Gujarat state, is known as an organized crime gang leader, according to India’s National Investigation Agency.
Bishnoi’s lawyer contends that his client is contesting over 40 cases, including murder and extortion. Many trials related to these charges are still pending.
Allegations Against the Indian Government
Recently, Canada accused Indian government agents of having ties to Bishnoi’s gang. Canadian officials allege these agents run a campaign to target Indian dissidents residing in Canada. However, the Indian government has denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to lawful conduct.
Court Order Revelations
The court order related to Yadav’s Delhi case revealed additional troubling claims. The complainant reported that Yadav and his associate seized a bank chequebook from him. They allegedly forced him to sign blank cheques before releasing him near his car, threatening him to keep silent about the incident.
As the legal battles unfold, the international implications of these allegations grow more complex. Both India and the U.S. will closely monitor the developments surrounding Yadav’s case as it raises significant questions about diplomatic relations and international law. The situation continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as investigations progress.
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