India panel calls for legal action against individual after US accusations in foiled murder plot


  • India
  • Thursday, 16 Jan 2025

An unnamed Indian intelligence official is said by the US to have directed plans to assassinate dual Canadian-American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist, in 2023. - Photo: Reuters

NEW DELHI: India said on Wednesday (Jan 15) that a panel set up to investigate Washington's accusations of Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot on US soil against a prominent activist had recommended legal action against an unnamed person.

The US has been pushing India to look into the Justice Department's claim that an unnamed Indian intelligence official directed plans to assassinate dual Canadian-American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Sikh separatist in 2023.

The home (interior) ministry said on Wednesday that the committee had looked into activities of "some organised criminal groups, terrorist organisations, drug peddlers, etc., who undermined the security interests of both India and the US".

India has said little publicly since announcing in November 2023 it would formally investigate the claims, and has separately continued a diplomatic dispute with Canada over the June 2023 assassination of another Sikh leader.

The committee has "recommended legal action against an individual, whose earlier criminal links and antecedents also came to notice during the enquiry," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement did not elaborate further on the identity of the person, but said the committee also asked for legal action to "be completed expeditiously".

The US welcomes "this constructive first step and looks forward to seeing legal action taken in the Indian system," White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said.

The U.S. Department of Justice had charged Vikash Yadav, an ex-Indian intelligence official, with leading the 2023 plot to murder Pannun. The US indictment was unsealed in October.

A lawyer representing Yadav declined to comment on the report. - Reuters

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Asean news headlines as of 10pm on Tuesday (Feb 11)
Mother found dead with baby at HDB block likely had undiagnosed postpartum depression: Coroner
Turkish President Erdogan arrives in Indonesia for official visit
Vietnam boasts opportunities to become global cruise hub
South Korea election official rejects impeached president's fraud claims
Woman in China injured after mistaking firecracker for candy
Warehouse fire in George Town nearly destroys building
Four killed, three missing as speedboat capsizes in North Kalimantan
Key Bangladesh party warns over unrest after buildings smashed
Strong winds, snow cause flight cancellations in Japan's Hokkaido

Others Also Read