US Charges Former Indian Spy in Plot to Assassinate Sikh Separatist

The US Justice Department has charged Vikas Yadav, a former Indian intelligence officer, for allegedly plotting to assassinate Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun, who advocates for Khalistan, was the target of a foiled murder attempt. The indictment was unsealed on Thursday, confirming Yadav’s involvement in the plot.

Hours earlier, both India and the US officially confirmed that the individual, referred to as “CC1” in the US indictment, is no longer employed by the Indian government. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, acknowledged the visit of a high-level Indian inquiry team to the US. This committee will review the evidence provided by the US regarding the alleged involvement of Nikhil Gupta and an Indian official in the plot to kill Pannun.

Nikhil Gupta, arrested in Prague and deported to the US last year, is currently facing prosecution in the US. According to the Justice Department, Gupta was recruited by the Indian government employee, identified as “CC1,” to hire a hitman for the assassination. The plot, however, was thwarted by US authorities before it could be executed.

The US has accused Indian agents of orchestrating the assassination attempt against Pannun, who holds dual US-Canadian citizenship. This case further complicates the already strained relations between India and Sikh separatist groups abroad.