Vikash Yadav, accused of “murder-for-hire” and money laundering in connection with a plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has requested an exemption from attending court hearings, citing threats to his life.
Yadav’s legal team submitted the application to a Delhi court, claiming his safety was at risk due to the public availability of his photographs and personal details. The court approved his request on Saturday but directed him to appear for the next hearing on February 3, 2025.
Allegations and Claims
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Yadav in October, alleging he was involved in orchestrating the plot against Pannun. Yadav, however, denies the allegations, claiming the charges are baseless and part of a false case filed by Delhi Police.
In his application, Yadav argued that media coverage of his case, including the publication of his images, further endangered his safety. His legal team stated that even appearing via video conferencing could expose his location.
Background on Arrest and Indictment
Yadav was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in December 2023 on charges of kidnapping and extortion, shortly after being named as “CC-1” (co-conspirator) in DoJ documents.
While he was granted bail in April 2024 after four months in Tihar Jail, the FBI’s New York office placed him on its wanted list in October. According to the indictment, Yadav was previously employed by the Indian government’s Cabinet Secretariat, which operates under the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Ministry of External Affairs has since clarified that Yadav is “no longer an employee of the government of India.”
Court’s Decision
The Delhi court accepted Yadav’s plea, acknowledging the security concerns, but mandated his presence at the February hearing to ensure due process.
This development comes amid heightened tensions over pro-Khalistan activities and India’s efforts to counter their influence globally.
