Vikash Yadav, an Indian national previously identified as “CC-1” in legal proceedings, has been charged by the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) in a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, leader of the pro-Khalistan organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ).
Pannun, who holds U.S. citizenship, was targeted in New York last year. Yadav, now believed to be no longer affiliated with the Indian government, faces charges of murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment, unsealed on Thursday, details Yadav’s role in directing the plot. He allegedly recruited another Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, who was previously charged and is currently detained in Brooklyn after being arrested in the Czech Republic.
Yadav reportedly tasked Gupta with finding a hitman to carry out the assassination, providing information such as Pannun’s address and contact details to further the conspiracy.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that an Indian investigative team visited Washington earlier this week, verifying that Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government.
The indictment reveals Yadav’s past association with India’s Cabinet Secretariat, specifically its intelligence wing, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), during the time relevant to the case.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the DoJ remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to harm American citizens.
FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed these sentiments, stating that the FBI will not tolerate acts of violence or retaliation against individuals residing in the U.S.
The case highlights rising concerns over transnational repression, with Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen warning other governments against targeting diaspora communities in the U.S.
The charges come amidst heightened tensions between India and Canada following accusations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleging Indian government involvement in the June 2023 killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada—allegations India has strongly denied.