Vikash Yadav, a former Indian official accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of orchestrating a failed assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, has denied the charges, according to his family.
Yadav, 39, is now wanted by the FBI in connection with the alleged murder-for-hire scheme, which he dismissed as "false media reports" during a conversation with his cousin, Avinash Yadav, who shared the family's reaction from their village in Haryana, roughly 100 km from Delhi.
The U.S. indictment claims Yadav, once affiliated with India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), led the plot to murder Pannun last year. While India confirmed it is investigating the allegations, officials have stated Yadav is no longer employed by the government but have not clarified his past roles. His family, however, remains unaware of any intelligence connections, believing him to still be working for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), where he had been serving since 2009.
"We have no information about him being a spy," Avinash Yadav said. "He always told us he was a deputy commandant and a paratrooper." The family has no knowledge of his current whereabouts, although he lives with his wife and a young daughter.
The U.S. indictment also implicates another Indian citizen, Nikhil Gupta, alleging that Gupta paid a hitman $15,000 to carry out the murder. In response, Yadav’s cousin pointed to the family’s humble lifestyle, questioning the plausibility of such financial involvement. "Where would so much money come from? Look at our modest house - there are no expensive cars here," he remarked.
Yadav's mother, Sudesh Yadav, expressed her disbelief, stating, "He has always worked for the country. I don't know if what the U.S. is saying is true." The family hopes for clarity and support from the Indian government, which has so far remained silent on Yadav’s location or the next steps regarding possible extradition.
Family members, including another cousin, Amit Yadav, reflected on Vikash Yadav's quiet nature and strong focus on athletics and academics during his youth. They are now appealing for transparency from the Indian government. "If the government abandons a paramilitary officer like this, who will continue to serve?" Amit questioned.