The United States charged former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav with conspiring to murder Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York last year. The FBI emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for violence against US residents in a statement. Yadav, identified as a former Research and Analysis Wing spy, had his indictment unsealed by the US Justice Department in the Southern District Court of New York. US officials have accused Indian agents of involvement in the assassination plot against Pannun, a dual US-Canadian citizen.
The FBI’s Director, Christopher Wray, stated that acts of violence against individuals exercising their constitutional rights will not be tolerated. An Indian government committee investigating the allegations has held productive meetings with US officials in Washington. The United States has urged India to investigate claims of an Indian intelligence official directing the assassination plot against Pannun.