Vikash Yadav, the man accused in a high-profile case involving an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has sought legal protection, claiming his life is under threat. His legal team has requested an exemption from attending case hearings, citing security concerns, a plea that was partially granted by a Delhi court on Saturday.
Court Grants Temporary Relief
In a hearing over the weekend, Yadav’s application was presented before a Delhi court, where he sought permission to skip appearances due to threats to his safety. The court approved his request but mandated his presence for the next hearing scheduled on February 3, 2025. The development comes a month after the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Yadav with “murder-for-hire” and money laundering, accusing him of involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, a vocal proponent of Khalistan.
Vikash Yadav’s Security Concerns
Yadav, in his two-page application accessed by The Indian Express, refuted the charges against him as baseless, asserting he is a victim of false allegations by the Delhi Police. His legal team raised alarm over the public dissemination of his photographs, home address, and other location details, claiming it heightened the risk to his life.
“Media reports have irresponsibly featured his image,” his lawyers argued, underscoring that even virtual participation in hearings could jeopardize his safety by exposing his location. The plea emphasized the severity of the threats, which they claim prevent him from attending court, even via video conferencing.
Arrest and International Implications
Yadav’s arrest by the Delhi Police Special Cell in December 2023 for a kidnapping and extortion case drew significant attention. This came just weeks after the DoJ identified him as “CC-1” (co-conspirator) in its November indictment linked to the alleged assassination plot. After spending four months in Tihar Jail, Yadav secured bail in April 2024. However, the FBI’s New York office listed him as a wanted individual on October 18.
The indictment alleged Yadav was employed by the Indian government’s Cabinet Secretariat, operating under the Prime Minister’s Office. However, a Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson refuted the claim, clarifying that Yadav “is no longer an employee of the government of India.”
Backdrop of Charges
The case, involving accusations of international espionage and conspiracy, has gained considerable attention for its implications on diplomatic relations. Pannun, the alleged target, is a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement and the general counsel for Sikhs for Justice, an organization advocating for a separate Sikh homeland.
Yadav’s indictment has been described as part of a broader investigation into cross-border plots to silence dissenting voices critical of the Indian government.
What’s Next?
While Yadav has been granted temporary relief, his legal troubles are far from over. The upcoming hearing in February 2025 will be closely watched, with implications for both domestic and international law enforcement agencies. Whether Yadav’s security concerns are adequately addressed remains to be seen as the court weighs the balance between ensuring his safety and upholding judicial processes.