By: Vibhuti Pathak
Allegations of a RAW official’s involvement in the assassination plot of Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the US have drawn attention from the White House, which has acknowledged India’s seriousness in addressing the issue. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed India’s commitment to investigate the matter but did not comment on the ongoing FBI probe or the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) criminal case.
The allegations surfaced following an investigative media report implicating RAW official Vikram Yadav in the plot, reportedly approved by former Indian spy agency chief Samant Goel. Pannun, a key figure in the Khalistan movement and legal advisor for Sikhs for Justice, was labelled a terrorist by the Indian government.
Jean-Pierre emphasized, “This is a serious matter, and we are taking it seriously,” reiterating India’s assurance of a thorough investigation. The killings of both Pannun and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, Canada, last year were allegedly linked to Yadav, according to Western officials.
The aftermath of Pannun’s assassination in Pakistan saw a surge in violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 Sikh and Kashmiri separatists labelled as terrorists by the Indian government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the formation of a high-level committee to investigate information provided by the American side, citing its impact on national security.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed India’s national security interests in the investigation, stating, “India’s national security interests are involved in its investigation into the alleged involvement of a government official in the assassination plot aimed at Khalistani extremist Pannun.”
