In a recent development, a Delhi court has issued a non-bailable warrant against Vikash Yadav, a former R&AW officer, who is alleged to have been involved in a plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, as per U.S. authorities. The court also sent a notice to his surety, since Yadav did not appear in court in connection with an alleged kidnapping and extortion case, despite repeated summons. Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Partap Singh Laler of Patiala House Courts observed that Yadav was absent and ordered the issuance of non-bailable warrants against him, while also issuing a notice to his surety under Section 491 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita. The case has been listed for hearing on October 17.
U.S. prosecutors have accused Vikash Yadav of directing a foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan separatist leader. The case has raised concerns in the India-US relations. U.S. prosecutors in New York have filed charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering against Yadav. Yadav used an alias when communicating to facilitate the murder plot. The MEA has confirmed that the individual named in the U.S. indictment is no longer employed by the Indian government.