US prosecutors have charged Vikash Yadav, a former Senior Field Officer of India’s intelligence agency RAW, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot targeting Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who resides in New York City. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the Justice Department will not tolerate actions that compromise the safety of Americans or their rights.
Yadav, described as an employee of the Indian government, is facing charges alongside Nikhil Gupta, including conspiracy to hire a hitman, plotting murder, and money laundering. The indictments were unsealed in the Federal Southern District of New York Court, following deliberation by a grand jury.
The court documents allege that Yadav had discussed targeting other individuals, referencing the recent killing of Canada-based Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which has strained relations between India and Canada. This information suggests Yadav communicated over encrypted platforms, revealing extensive details about the alleged plan.
Gupta, arrested in the Czech Republic and extradited to the US in June, is portrayed in the indictment as Yadav’s collaborator. Yadav purportedly directed Gupta to engage with a supposed hitman, who turned out to be an undercover law enforcement officer. The documents detail how Yadav recruited Gupta to execute the alleged murder in exchange for assistance with his own legal issues.
The charges were made public shortly after an Indian committee investigating the allegations visited Washington for discussions with US officials. Judge Victor Marrero has scheduled a status conference to address case progression and evidence handling.
The indictment notes that Yadav, using aliases Amant and Vikas, was employed by India’s Cabinet Secretariat, which oversees RAW. The documents reveal his past role as an assistant commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force and outline his military training.
The plot reportedly commenced in May 2023, with Yadav outlining potential targets to Gupta. They allegedly agreed on a payment of $100,000 for the “hit,” with Yadav providing Gupta with the necessary details to locate the target in New York City.
Details further indicate that Yadav communicated about the plot’s execution during significant events, such as the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US in June. Gupta is currently being held without bail in a federal detention center.