Washington: Vikash Yadav, a 39-year-old Indian official, has vehemently refuted US charges alleging his involvement in a plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist. The rebuttal came in a report published by news agency Reuters on Sunday, where Vikash dismissed the allegations as false during a conversation with his cousin, Avinash Yadav.

Avinash asserted that the family had no knowledge of Vikash's supposed ties to Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and emphasised his position as a deputy commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Sudesh Yadav, Vikash's mother, expressed shock at the charges and questioned the veracity of the US government's claims, insisting that her son had been working for the country. Other relatives, including Amit Yadav (another cousin), also expressed disbelief regarding the allegations and emphasised Vikash's character and dedication to his work.

The family highlighted their modest lifestyle, questioning how they could afford the significant sums of money alleged in the charges. They expressed concern about the implications for Vikash's career and reputation and urged the Indian government to provide clarity and support in light of the allegations, conveying their confusion and distress over the situation.

Identification and Charges
Yadav has been charged with three counts, including murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The Department of Justice noted that he "remains at large."

Yadav's co-conspirator, Nikhil Gupta, was arrested in Czechoslovakia last year and is currently imprisoned in the US following extradition.

US Authorities Respond
“Today's charges demonstrate that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to target and endanger Americans and undermine the rights to which every US citizen is entitled,” stated US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. FBI Director Christopher Wray added, “The defendant, an Indian government employee, allegedly conspired with a criminal associate and attempted to assassinate a US citizen on American soil for exercising their First Amendment rights.”

Indian Government's Denial
The Indian government has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged assassination plot. Following the allegations, New Delhi established an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The US has expressed satisfaction with India's cooperation during this process.

The unsealing of the indictment follows a recent visit by the Indian Inquiry Committee, which met with officials from the FBI, Department of Justice, and the State Department. “We are satisfied with the cooperation. It continues to be an ongoing process,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. He noted that updates were exchanged during the meeting, describing it as productive.

Details of the Indictment
The indictment, running 18 pages, includes photographs of Yadav in military attire and images of individuals exchanging cash in a car in New York. Prosecutors claim these funds were payments made to the alleged assassin on behalf of Yadav and Gupta to carry out the assassination of the Sikh separatist leader. The indictment does not disclose the identity of the targeted individual.

According to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, general counsel to Sikhs for Justice, “By indicting RAW official Vikash Yadav in the murder-for-hire plot, the US government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the life, liberty, and freedom of expression of US citizens at home and abroad.”

Alleged Assassination Plot Details
The indictment alleges that Yadav and Gupta plotted the assassination in summer 2023. Gupta allegedly hired a hitman for $100,000, with $15,000 paid as an advance on June 9, 2023. Notably, this occurred shortly before President Joe Biden hosted Prime Minister Modi for a historic state visit on June 22.

Yadav purportedly instructed Gupta and the hired killer to postpone the assassination until after the state visit. Furthermore, the indictment links this plot to the murder of another Sikh separatist, Nijjar, in Canada during the same period. Federal prosecutors revealed that Yadav, Gupta, and the alleged assassin communicated regarding both incidents.