Former RAW chief had ‘approved’ Sikh separatist leader Pannun’s killing plot in US.
The Washington Post has reported on an alleged plot orchestrated by senior officials of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on United States soil.
The exclusive report unveils a sinister plan purportedly approved by high-ranking RAW officials, including then-chief Samant Goel, and executed by an officer identified as Vikram Yadav.
Also read: Unraveling the global reach of RAW
According to the American publication’s report an “officer in India’s intelligence service was relaying final instructions to a hired hit team to kill” one of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “most vocal critics”.
Targeting a Vocal Critic:
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the general counsel of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has long been a vocal critic of the Indian government and a proponent of a separate Sikh state.
His advocacy has made him a target, with the alleged assassination plot revealing a chilling attempt to silence dissent.
Pannun’s fearless stance against the Indian establishment, despite the looming threat to his life, underscores the gravity of the situation.
“Just like Canadian Citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s assassination by the Indian agents on Canadian soil was a challenge to Canada’s sovereignty, the threat to an American citizen on American soil is a challenge to America’s sovereignty, and I trust that the Biden Administration is more than capable to handle any such challenge,” Pannun said, responding to a question in the interview.
Foiled Assassination Plan Stuns Western Security Officials:
The meticulously planned assassination bid, reportedly initiated while Pannun was attending a dinner at the White House, was ultimately thwarted by US authorities.
However, the revelation of RAW’s alleged involvement has sent shockwaves through Western security circles.
The identity of Vikram Yadav and his affiliation with RAW, previously undisclosed, serves as explicit evidence linking the assassination plot to India’s intelligence service.
“Yadav’s identity and affiliation, which have not previously been reported, provide the most explicit evidence to date that the assassination plan — ultimately thwarted by US authorities — was directed from within the Indian spy service,” the publication wrote.
Implications and Investigations:
The implications of this alleged plot extend beyond bilateral relations, raising concerns about sovereignty and cross-border repression.
According to current and former Western security officials, the involvement of senior RAW officials implicates India’s premier’s “inner circle,” prompting a thorough investigation by US agencies.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are said to be probing links to high-ranking Indian authorities.
White House Response and Call for Accountability:
As former RAW chief ‘approved’ Sikh separatist leader Pannun’s killing plot in US, meanwhile, the White House has stated that it is taking the matter “very seriously.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the ongoing criminal investigation led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and affirmed the importance of holding those responsible for the alleged plot accountable.
While acknowledging India as an important strategic partner, the White House underscores the seriousness of the issue and the expectation of full cooperation in the investigation.
