Gurpatwant Pannun Murder Plot: US Reacts To Washington Post Report

The United States acknowledged that it was being "regularly engaged" by the Indian government in the investigation related to the allegations concerning the plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

This acknowledgement was made by US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel following a report by The Washington Post, which linked a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer to the alleged plot to kill Pannun on American soil last year.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

Patel mentioned that they continue to anticipate accountability from the Government of India based on the findings of the Indian inquiry committee's work. He noted that they are regularly engaged by the Indian government and are seeking additional updates on the matter.

Patel also stated that they will continue to raise their concerns directly with the Indian government at senior levels. However, he declined to provide further details and deferred any additional inquiries to the Department of Justice.

Allegations by The Washington Post on RAW Officer's Involvement in Pannun Assassination Plot

The Washington Post, citing unnamed sources, implicated a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer - identified as Vikram Yadav - in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil last year.

It was reported that Yadav had allegedly enlisted a "hit team" to carry out the operation and designated Pannun as a "priority" target. The report further claimed that Yadav had transmitted Pannun's contact information, including his New York address, to the would-be assassins.

These new claims surfaced amidst the backdrop of the United States asserting that India was purportedly responsible for a foiled assassination attempt on Pannun in November 2022, prompting a "stern" warning from the US and soliciting a response from India.

Last year, US federal prosecutors had also charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with collaborating with an Indian government employee in the alleged assassination plot against Pannun. Following the US charges, Gupta was apprehended in the Czech Republic in 2023.

The indictment outlined Gupta's agreement to pay $100,000 for Pannun's assassination, with an initial payment of $15,000 remitted on June 9, 2023.

India's Response to The Washington Post's Report on Pannun Assassination Plot

India responded sharply on Tuesday to The Washington Post's report concerning the alleged assassination plot of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, labelling it as "unwarranted" and "unsubstantiated."

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that there is an ongoing investigation by the High-Level Committee established by the Government of India to address security concerns raised by the US government regarding networks of organized criminals, terrorists, and others. Jaiswal criticized speculative and irresponsible commentary on the matter as unhelpful.