US presses India for quick accountability in Sikh leader’s murder plot
Washington: United States officials are pressing India for a swift resolution and accountability regarding their investigation into Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot against a Sikh activist in the US.
According to Kashmir Media Service, an Indian Inquiry Committee visited Washington last week to discuss India’s own investigations after the Justice Department said an Indian intelligence official had directed plans to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, last year, Reuters reported.
United States officials have told their Indian counterparts they want a speedy result and more accountability after their investigation into Indian involvement in a foiled murder plot against a Sikh activist in the US, according to an official.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the government seeks “meaningful accountability” and has urged India to expedite its investigative process. The official stated, “We’ve communicated really clearly that the US government isn’t going to feel fully satisfied until we see that meaningful accountability takes place.”
The Reuters said that Washington’s message to Indian officials has not been previously reported.
Last week, an unsealed indictment showed that the United States had charged Vikash Yadav, described as a former officer in India’s Research and Analysis Wing spy service, with directing the plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York City. The indictment said that beginning in May 2023, Yadav worked with others in India and abroad to direct a plot against Pannun.
Pannun has said that Yadav was a “mid-tier soldier” assigned the task of organising the assassination by higher-level Indian officials.
Despite the serious allegations, India has maintained a limited public response since launching its own investigation in November 2023. The situation adds to ongoing tensions between India and Canada, particularly regarding the June 2023 assassination of another Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
