Ex RAW Agent Arrested:
Reports suggest that former intelligence officer Vikas Yadav has been arrested by Delhi Police after the United States filed charges against him, accusing him of conspiring to murder Sikh separatist Pannun. It appears that he was arrested in connection with a robbery case. The FBI had issued notices indicating that Vikas was on the run, which led to his arrest by the police. National media outlets have reported on the incident. Notably, Vikas Yadav, who was arrested last year in connection with the robbery case, was released on bail in April after spending seven months in custody.
Chargesheet Filed in New York Court:
In the Pannun murder conspiracy case, the Department of Justice has filed a chargesheet in a New York court. The charges include allegations against Vikas Yadav (39), an Indian citizen, for money laundering, hiring individuals for conspiracy, and planning the murder of Pannun. The chargesheet mentions that his whereabouts are currently unknown. Vikas previously served as an official of the Indian government, working in the Cabinet Secretariat that oversees the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s foreign intelligence department.
The United States had alleged last year that a plot to murder Pannun took place on its soil, which it claimed to have foiled. American prosecutors alleged that Nikhil Gupta conspired with the Indian government official to kill Pannun. Media reports earlier mentioned that Nikhil, who was already imprisoned in the Czech Republic, was extradited to the United States. The U.S. court has also issued summons to the Indian government in connection with this case.
Investigation Committee Formed:
India has strongly denied these allegations and has set up a domestic investigation committee to look into the matter. Recently, a team of Indian officials met with the U.S. State Department and the Department of Justice officials. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned that New Delhi informed them that the accused Indian official is no longer in government service. It is noteworthy that the U.S. pressed charges against Vikas Yadav following the conclusion of this team’s visit.
