India-US Security Breach: A high-level inquiry committee set up by the Indian government has suggested legal action against an individual after investigating the activities of some organized criminal groups and terrorist organizations. These activities were found to harm the security interests of both India and the United States.
As per News18, the investigation began after the U.S. alleged that Indian agents had attempted to assassinate Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York in 2023. Pannun holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada. Vikash Yadav, reportedly a former officer with India’s intelligence agency RAW, was named by the U.S. in connection with the failed assassination attempt.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement confirming the committee’s findings. “After a long inquiry, the committee has submitted its report to the government and recommended legal action against an individual, whose earlier criminal links and antecedents also came to notice during the inquiry,” the MHA said. While the statement did not name the individual, it emphasized the importance of completing the legal process quickly.
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The inquiry committee was formed in November 2023 following information provided by the U.S. about the involvement of criminal and terrorist groups, as well as drug peddlers, in activities that posed a threat to national security. According to the MHA, the committee worked closely with U.S. authorities, sharing information and conducting joint investigations. The statement mentioned, “The two sides exchanged visits, and the U.S. extended full cooperation in the investigation.”
The investigation involved questioning several officials and reviewing important documents. The committee also recommended changes to improve India’s response to such situations. “The committee has further recommended functional improvements in systems and procedures, as well as steps to ensure better control and coordination in handling similar matters in the future,” the MHA added.
The issue has been a sensitive one for India, especially since the U.S. had raised it “at the senior-most levels” with the Indian government. White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson earlier stated, “We are treating this issue with utmost seriousness, and it has been raised by the U.S. government with the Indian government, including at the senior-most levels.” Watson also noted that Indian officials had responded with “surprise and concern” upon learning about the incident, adding that New Delhi assured them such activities were not part of their policy.
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In December 2023, Vikash Yadav was arrested by Delhi Police in a separate case involving kidnapping and extortion. He was later released on bail. Meanwhile, another Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, was arrested in Prague in connection with the alleged plot to kill Pannun. Gupta was extradited to the U.S. after being detained at the request of American authorities.
According to Buisness Standard, Canada has also made accusations against India, claiming there are “credible” links between Indian operatives and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in Vancouver in June 2023. India has denied these allegations outright.
The Indian government’s investigation aims to address these claims and strengthen its systems to prevent such incidents in the future.
