fbi-wanted-poster-vikas-yadav-khalistani-terrorist-assassination-plot
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday issued a wanted poster for Vikas Yadav, a former Indian government employee, in connection with an alleged assassination plot targeting Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a U.S. citizen. The U.S. Justice Department has charged Yadav and his associate, Gupta, with involvement in this conspiracy.
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Details of the Case
The FBI claims Yadav was part of a plot to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, a well-known Khalistani separatist leader. According to U.S. authorities, Yadav and Gupta were both charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. They have also been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which could result in up to 20 years of imprisonment.
Vikas Yadav, born in Haryana, India, is accused of recruiting Gupta to carry out the assassination of Pannu. This high-profile case has drawn attention due to Pannu’s activities as a Khalistani advocate and his constant calls for a separate Sikh state, making him a controversial figure in India and abroad.
Indian Government’s Response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that Vikas Yadav is no longer employed by the Indian government. The MEA clarified that while Yadav was once a government official, he is not currently associated with any government role. India has consistently denied involvement in extraterritorial activities, particularly concerning separatist movements like that of Khalistan.
Legal Charges and Potential Sentencing
Both Yadav and Gupta are facing serious charges. In addition to murder-for-hire, which holds a penalty of 10 years, they are also accused of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The latter charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
A federal district court will determine any sentence, taking into consideration U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, with both Yadav and Gupta likely facing trial in the near future.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between pro-Khalistani groups and the Indian government, as international authorities become increasingly involved in investigating and addressing such plots.
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