January 15th 2025.
A government-appointed investigation committee has recently concluded its probe into the activities of organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations that have threatened the security interests of both India and the US. After considering all the evidence, the committee has recommended legal action against an individual who remains unnamed at this time. This decision comes after the US raised concerns about an alleged attempt by Indian agents to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York in 2023.
The US had identified Vikash Yadav, a former officer of India's external intelligence agency RAW, as a possible suspect in the failed assassination attempt on Pannun. The Ministry of Home Affairs released a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the committee's extensive investigation included looking into Yadav's past criminal connections. However, the ministry did not disclose the identity of the individual against whom legal action is being taken.
According to the statement, the US government had provided information to the Indian authorities about the activities of various criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and drug traffickers that posed a threat to the security of both nations. In response, the government of India formed a high-powered enquiry committee in November 2023 to investigate the matter. The committee worked closely with US authorities, conducting its own investigations and reviewing relevant documents. It also questioned several officials from different agencies.
After thorough deliberation, the committee submitted its report to the government and recommended swift legal action against the individual in question. The statement also mentioned that the committee suggested improvements in systems and procedures to enhance India's response capability and ensure coordinated action in similar situations.
In November 2023, the External Affairs Ministry had announced the formation of the high-powered committee, promising to examine all relevant aspects of the matter. The US government had previously alerted India about the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun and expressed concerns about India's involvement. The White House spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, stated that the US government had raised this issue with the Indian government at the highest levels. She also mentioned that Indian officials were surprised and concerned about the incident.
The US government is taking this matter very seriously and has even brought it to the attention of the Indian government at the highest levels. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White House, said that Indian officials were surprised and concerned when they were informed about the incident. "We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness, and it has been raised by the US government with the Indian government, including at the senior-most levels," Watson said, adding that the US government has stated that this type of activity is not in line with their policies.
In December 2023, Yadav was arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with a kidnapping and extortion case. He is currently out on bail for this charge. In a separate incident, Indian national Nikhil Gupta was arrested in Prague in 2023 and later extradited to the US from the Czech Republic. He was arrested at the request of the US government for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Pannun.
Additionally, Canada has claimed that there is credible evidence linking Indian operatives to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb in June. These developments have sparked concern and prompted the committee to recommend improvements in procedures and systems to strengthen India's response capability in similar situations. The government has assured that they will take swift legal action against the individual in question and make necessary improvements to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
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